How to Survive the Storm

A hurricane is defined as a tropical or subtropical storm with winds exceeding 119 km/h. These storms can suddenly develop from a series of small thunderstorms with lightning during hurricane season (typically late summer and early fall), so you should always be prepared. To survive a hurricane, you should know how to prepare for, weather the storm, and take precautions when it’s over.

Table of Contents

Prepare in advance

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Always be prepared if you live in a hurricane-prone area. Do you live in a hurricane-prone area (such as the states of Florida, Georgia, and Carpinas in the United States)? Agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advise people to prepare for hurricane season, which is before the 1st. June. Contingencies should include a “family disaster plan” and a “disaster supply kit” that you can easily access in an emergency. ^{[1] X Trusted Source Federal Emergency Management Agency Go to source}

A family disaster plan outlines what to do in an emergency. For example, you need to plan an escape route, trying to create multiple exits in case the priority exit becomes unusable. The convention of where to meet again if people get lost.
All family members must be trained to cut off electricity, water, and gas. Make sure even the youngest person knows how to call emergency services.
A disaster emergency kit needs to be ready whenever needed, which includes basic items needed for a person to survive for at least 72 hours such as food, water, kit. first aid and lights.
Once winds have reached what is considered a tropical storm, preparation is impossible, and you will have to focus on surviving.

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Consider buying a generator. Generators will keep you powered up after the storm clears until the grid is back on. Store the generator in a place where it does not rain and is not flooded. Learn how to use the machine and pay special attention to proper ventilation. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Always make sure the generator is grounded and in a dry place.
Never plug a portable generator into a normal electrical outlet or directly into the electrical grid in your home, as this can lead to electricity back-charging into the grid.
To reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, remember to always operate your generator outdoors, away from windows and doors.
Ask the seller for specific instructions if you do not know how to use the generator.
Generators require regular maintenance and inspection. Be sure to follow the instructions to prevent the machine from working when it is needed most.

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Buy a self-powered radio and flashlight. It’s almost certain that the grid will be out for the duration of the storm, and you won’t have access to communications or a source of light. Consider having lights and radios that run on batteries or use mechanical energy. ^{[3] X Research Sources}^{[4] X Research Sources}

The “All Alerts” battery-powered radio receives NOAA weather warnings the best. You can listen to constantly updated news and weather forecasts from NOAA. It is recommended that you pre-set this channel during times of danger and make sure the radio is fully charged.
Buy a battery-powered or a mechanical light. The Cpeman LED Micropacker is a good light and can light up a small space with 3 AAA batteries for days. Mechanical lights use mechanical energy from sources such as hand cranks, so they will never run out of energy.
Glow sticks are also a safe alternative. Given the risk of gas leaks during storms, you should be cautious about lighting candles.
Stock up on a variety of regular batteries and store them in a waterproof container.

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Build more “safe rooms” in your home, if possible. A safe room is a structure that can withstand extreme weather events according to US federal government standards, such as tornadoes or hurricanes. Usually these rooms are located in a room in the house. People sheltering in standard safe rooms can almost avoid casualties in extreme weather situations. ^{[5] X Trusted Source Federal Emergency Management Agency Go to Source}

Safe rooms are “strengthened”, meaning they are reinforced to withstand strong winds with ceilings, floors, walls and other structures built of thick, strong concrete.
Safe rooms can be added or renovated. You need to make sure the safe room has easy access, stocked with water and other essentials, and is relatively comfortable inside. It is common to use the bathroom in the house for this purpose.
You do not have the conditions to build a safe room? In the United States, the federal government often has subsidies or other fundraising programs. ^{[6] X Trusted Source Federal Emergency Management Agency Go to source}

Overcoming the storm

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Evacuate. In the US, move north to avoid storms if possible; The storm will weaken when it reaches there. For example, go to Georgia if you live in southern Florida or move into the deep ground if you are in Carpina. When evacuating, it’s easier for family members and pets to stay together than to stay put through the storm. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Stay together. Leave home in groups and share a car if possible.
Always obey evacuation orders. Evacuation should always be a priority if you live in a mobile home, even those built after 1994. Mobile homes can be destroyed by the weakest hurricanes classified as Category 1 hurricanes.
Only take what is absolutely necessary like cell phone, medicine, ID card, cash and maybe some clothes. Remember to bring a first aid kit.
Fill up the car’s gas tank and prepare early. You do n’t want to sit in your car while the storm is raging.
Never leave pets behind – they will get injured or die if they can’t avoid falling debris, flooded water or blown up objects.

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Find shelter. If you decide to stay, you need to find a place to protect yourself, your family, and your pets during the storm. This shelter should have no windows in the wall or ceiling. If you choose to shelter indoors, you need to close all the doors inside the house, brace and reinforce the outside doors. ^{[13] X Research Source}^{[14] X Research Source}

Hopefully you are prepared as described above. In that case, you will have a safe place and everything you need.
If not, do it when you can. Choose a room in the house that has solid walls and no windows. Bathroom and wall cabinets are usable. You can even protect yourself in the tub and cover with plywood.
Or you can find public storm shelters. In the United States, but hurricane-prone areas like Florida have public shelters open during hurricanes. Find one near your home and bring items like medication, insurance records, ID cards, bedding, flashlights, snacks, and games.

Recovery after the storm

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Make sure it’s safe to go out. Do not leave the shelter until an official “storm over” notice from the authorities. The calmness of the wind may just be because you are in the dangerous eye of the storm, which will be followed by the “eye wall” and strong winds. A hurricane can take an hour to clear.

The area around the eye of the storm is where the wind is strongest. It can also turn into a tornado. ^{[19] X Research Source}
After the eye of the storm passes, you need to wait at least 30 minutes before entering rooms with windows. Even then you need to be very careful – at this point there is still a good chance of shards of glass breaking.
Be cautious even after the storm has passed. There are still many dangers waiting like fallen trees, power lines and power lines. Do not go near these power lines. Instead, call your utility company or emergency service for help.
You also need to stay away from flooded areas. Be extremely cautious when entering flooded water, as there may be a lot of debris or other dangerous objects that you cannot see.

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Be careful when entering buildings. A hurricane can destroy many buildings, if not most structures. Do not enter buildings after a storm, unless you are sure they are safe. In addition, you need to get out as quickly as possible if the building shows signs of serious damage to prevent the house from collapsing. ^{[20] X Trusted Source Federal Emergency Management Agency Go to source}

Stay away if you smell gas, flood or if the building is damaged by fire.
Use flashlights instead of candles, matches, torches, or lanterns. There is a high risk of gas leakage during a storm, and the use of such means may cause a fire or explosion. Open windows and doors to let the gas out.
Do not attempt to turn on the power, unless you are ABSOLUTELY certain it is safe. Check electrical and gas connections before opening.
Pay attention to loose, slippery floorboards, falling debris, and cracked grout when entering a building.

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Damage assessment. Your number one priority during a hurricane is to keep yourself, your family, and your pets safe. You should only start assessing losses after the storm has cleared. Inspect the home for structural damage. If there are any concerns, have the authorities checked as soon as possible and do not approach the area until the repair is complete. ^{[21] X Research Source}

Clean and disinfect any items that may come into contact with sewage, bacteria, or spilled chemicals. Throw away spoiled food. Throw everything away when there is any doubt. ^{[22] X Trusted Source Federal Emergency Management Agency Go to source}
Maintain safe water systems. Such as treating contaminated and damaged water systems, checking wells for chemical contamination.
Remove and replace drywall and other flat panels that can harbor mold.

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Pump out the flooded water in the basement. You should never enter a flooded basement – in addition to the risk of electric shock, flooded areas also harbor debris and bacteria from things like sewage. ^{[23] X Research Source} Instead, you need to pump water so that the water level recedes by about 1/3 per day until it dries up.

Plug the vacuum cleaner into a safe electrical outlet upstairs and pump out the water. Do not expose the power cord to water and wear rubber boots for safety. ^{[24] X Research Sources}
If you have a large-capacity pump, put the end of the hose into the basement through a window.
If you cannot safely pump out the water in the basement, call the fire service and ask for help.

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Declare the loss to the insurance company. You may be covered for some home and property losses if you have flood, wind, and storm damage insurance. Contact your insurance company as soon as you can file a claim. ^{[25] X Research Sources}

Make a list of damages to report. Take photos, record videos, keep receipts for repairs, bills for supplies and even hotel expenses.
If you evacuate your home, make sure the insurance company knows where to contact you. Try contacting them by phone. Many insurance companies offer toll-free calls 24/7.
In the event of a total loss, some people even paint their address and the name of the insurance company on their homes to attract the insurance agent’s attention. ^{[26] X Research Source}
Try to prevent as much damage as possible. For example, cover the roof with tarpaulin and close the openings with plywood, plastic sheeting or other materials.

Advice

Storm season:
- Atlantic Region (Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico) and Central Pacific: From June 1 to November 30.
- Eastern Pacific Ocean (extends to longitude 140 degrees West): from May 15 to November 30.
If someone needs help, such as an elderly or sick person, help them get to safety.
Only go out when absolutely necessary. Usually there is no reason to leave the house until the storm has passed.
Stay alert during hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center provides free tracking and forecasting information throughout the hurricane season. Local media are also a good source of information about the expected path of the storm, its intensity and possible impact.
Keep an eye on pets, attach identifying information such as a collar to increase the chances of finding them in case they get lost.
The writer of this article lives in an area that is prone to frequent storms. All the houses here have basements. It is the safest place to hide. You should keep an eye on the weather channel, they will notify you if a storm is coming. Stock up on food and put something in front of the window. Make sure to have a flashlight and a battery-powered radio to know what’s going on outside.
When you’re in a storm, DO NOT BE IN THE SURFACE! You need to stay above ground to avoid storm surge. If you live in an upper-floor apartment, go down to one of the lower floors, but it’s much safer to move to a smaller building if it’s not too late.

Things you need

Non-perishable foods such as canned goods, cookies, bread, etc. All perishable foods need to be used up during a storm or thrown away after the storm clears, as they will be hazardous. for health if not stored in the refrigerator because there is no electricity.
Bottled water. Water in stormy areas may be contaminated. You need to boil the water, even for several months after the storm hits.
Plywood and tape to protect windows
Some flashlights or mechanical lights
Multiple backup batteries
Battery powered radio
Glow sticks – safer than candles
Generator with instructions – always keep the instruction sheet in plain view
Recreational facilities such as board games, deck of cards, paper, pens
Pet food and water, comfortable cages, blankets and toys, if you have pets
Spare clothing for everyone, including wading boots

Steps

Prepare in advance

Overcoming the storm

Recovery after the storm

Advice

Things you need

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