Why hurricane preparedness

Hurricanes and typhoons are the same type of storm — the name changes based on where they occur. Test your knowledge with our quick quiz. You might ace the test or you might learn something new — either way, you win! If authorities advise or order you to evacuate, grab your emergency kit and go right away. If you are not in a mandatory evacuation zone, you will need to decide whether to leave the area, move to higher ground nearby, or stay in your home. If you decide to stay home, remember that even if the high winds and floodwaters do not reach your home, you may lose power and water, and you may not be able to leave your home for several days if the roads are impassable.

If you evacuated, don't return home until local officials have declared that it is safe to enter your community and you have the supplies you will need. If your home was damaged by hurricane-force winds or flooding after the storm, it should be carefully inspected and thoroughly cleaned. For kids aged This app teaches preparedness for real-life emergencies at home with the help of Maya, Chad, Olivia and all the monsters. Get Help. How To Prepare For Emergencies. Types Of Emergencies.

Hurricane Preparedness. Hurricane Safety Hurricane Safety. Learn how to keep your home and family safe during a hurricane or typhoon. Need Help Now? The Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 through November 30 each year.

Planning for hurricane season and other potential disasters can be stressful, and during the coronavirus disease COVID pandemic, it may be especially so. Your planning may be different this year because of the need to protect yourself and others from COVID CDC recommends that you print important documents e.

Power outages during and after a hurricane can prevent you from accessing information online when you most need it. Plan your evacuation route well ahead of time If you live on the coast or in a mobile home, you may have to evacuate in the event of a major storm. Keep non-perishable emergency supplies on hand When a hurricane warning is issued, people run for the stores.

As much as possible, get ahead of the rush having the following on hand: Extra batteries Candles or lamps with fuel Matches keep these dry Materials and tools for emergency home repairs—such as heavy plastic sheeting, plywood, a hammer, etc. Take an inventory of your personal property Creating a home inventory will help ensure that you have purchased enough insurance to replace your personal possessions.

Take steps to protect your home Hurricane force winds can turn landscaping materials into missiles that can break windows and doors and much of the property damage associated with hurricanes occurs after the windstorm when rain enters structures through broken windows, doors and openings in the roof.

Replace gravel or rock landscaping materials with shredded bark , which is lighter and won't cause as much harm. Cut weak branches and trees that could fall on your house and keep shrubbery trimmed. Install storm shutters to protect your windows from breakage. Alternately, fit plywood panels to your windows, which can be nailed to window frames when a storm approaches.

Make sure exterior doors are hurricane proof and have at least three hinges and a dead bolt lock that is at least one-inch long. Sliding glass doors should be made of tempered glass and, during a storm, covered with shutters or plywood. These types of doors are more vulnerable to wind damage than most other doors. Replace old garage doors and tracks with a door that is approved for both wind pressure and impact protection. Secure your home, or find a safe shelter for its arrival, and know how to proceed safely during the aftermath.

Author: Christine Harrison. Hurricane Knowledge First, know your hurricane facts and understand common terms used during hurricane forecasts. Here are some important terms you may hear: Tropical Storm Watch : Tropical storm conditions are possible in the area. Hurricane Watch : Hurricane conditions are possible in the area. Watches are issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds.

Tropical Storm Warning : Tropical storm conditions are expected in the area. Hurricane Warning : Hurricane conditions are expected in the area. Warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of tropical storm force winds.

Eye : Clear, sometimes well-defined center of the storm with calmer conditions. Eye Wall : Surrounding the eye, contains some of the most severe weather of the storm with the highest wind speed and largest precipitation.