If you live in a hurricane-prone area, it is essential to take steps to prepare your family and house before a hurricane hits your location. Stockpiling goods with the right supplies can make the difference in your survival during a storm. Finding a secure refuge inside your house is required. Making sure your safe room is prepared against strong winds and floods could save your loved ones. That’s why we’re going to answer what’s the safest place in a house during a hurricane?
In this article, we’re going to share some tips to keep you safe during and after the hurricane. We’ll also share with you some evacuating plans that can help you reduce the risk of danger from a hurricane.
What is a hurricane
Hurricanes are mighty tropical storms emerging over warm waters and being able to come inland at once to devastate multiple regions. Besides the harm that hurricanes will do with their powerful winds, they often carry large quantities of water, which creates extreme flooding.
Heavy rain may trigger flash flooding, and another dangerous hazard may arise.
Class numbers are granted to hurricanes to indicate how powerful they are focused on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. The size of the category storm is dependent on the strength of the winds the storm displays. A hurricane intensity rating is provided with higher wind levels. The hurricanes become more intense when you move up the scale, and the wind speeds increase gradually.
- Category I – 74-95mph winds
- Category II – 96-110 mph winds
- Category III – 111-129 mph winds
- Category IV – 130-156 mph winds
- Category V – 157 mph winds and above
Tips to Keep You Safe Before, During And After the Hurricane
Before the Hurricane
Before the impacts of the storm, all necessary arrangements must be made to ensure that you are not left without any provisions. When a big hurricane comes into a location, citizens start to panic, and supermarkets quickly run out of vital supplies, including water, batteries, and flashlights.
If you stay in an environment vulnerable to storms, you will already be filled with the basics, and you never have to think about the panicking fans. If you’re located in a region that could be impacted by such extreme storms, you should also be prepared.
- You and your relatives should have a strategy anytime a disaster happens if you get split. Agree on easy to reach a meeting place, and a form of communication should be planned. During the hurricane, you’ll want to learn the best spot to hunker down, so stake a place away from the windows.
- You can plan an emergency package in case of a major hurricane, whether you are visiting a hurricane-prone place or you stay there. Keep in mind to have 1 gallon of water per person, provisions for three days, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, a mobile phone, pliers, a manual can opener, and any essential medications. You can always tuck away your precious papers in airtight storage.
- Make sure that your windows are covered and that your house is locked. It may involve setting up shutters for storms, which can be achieved in the days before a storm arrives. It often involves locking up or pulling in some patio chairs, trash cans, landscape lighting, or lawn equipment that may fly away during high winds.
- Cover the plastic sheeting bathtub or caulk drain so it can retain water for weeks and quickly cleans until it is dry.
- It can help you decide whether your house is flood-prone by putting sandbags across the outside of your home. It will help you brace for storm surge or coastal flooding.
During the Hurricane
During the hurricane, hurling waves, pounding rain, and the possibility of tornadoes will be visible. Follow these precautions to remain safe during a hurricane in your home:
- Keep away from walls, skylights, and glass doors inside and outside. Find a protected place in your home. Keep away from walls, skylights, and glass doors inside and outside. Find a protected place in your home.
- Switch off the key breaker if flooding damages your house.
- Turn off devices such as an air conditioner and water heater that may harm if you lose control.
- You should not use any electrical devices like the computer.
- As the center of the hurricane crosses through your location, a brief duration of calm will take place. But the wind strength will quickly escalate to the intensity of the hurricane, which will come from the opposite direction. You should not go outside to see “what the wind is like.”
- Flying debris is also possible.
- Check over any live electricity or bolts. Keep away from the electrical appliances, and do not use the phone through the storm.
After the Hurricane
There are more fatalities and casualties after the hurricane visits than before. That is because people are busy to inspect the damage with power lines or trees that are down.
Follow these tips to remain safe after a hurricane:
- Remain inside before an “all clear” official is issued.
- In no conditions do not contact dropped or low-hanging electrical wires. Keep away from puddles that are near to cables. Do not hit trees or other objects that have power lines in contact.
- Use your mobile phones only for emergencies, dial 911 for life-threatening cases.
- Contact the police to report dangers such as downed power lines, disrupted gas or water pipe, or other unsafe circumstance you may find.
- Check for damaged highways, bridges, tree branches, roofs that could fall, and never drive across floodwaters.
- Test refrigerated food for bacterial growth after electricity is restored, which is the source of most sickness after the hurricane.
- When restarting a cable center, TV, or satellite antenna, search both directions and ensure there are no local power lines.
- Do not run outdoor grills, propane cooking stoves or generators.
The Safest Place in a House During a Hurricane
If you live in an environment that is vulnerable to hurricanes, it is vital to have a safe space in your home for family members.
Some people want to get a safe room designed by builders to survive hurricanes, but this can be costly. If you don’t have the money to create a secure space, we may still have space in our house. The safest place to be in your home is at the lowest level.
Experts claim you should remove from all walls the sliding glass doors or skylights in your house. The bathroom, closet, or storm shelter will give you and your family members protection. If the electricity goes out, try to have a weather radio and lamps on deck.
Evacuating Plans
You can be asked to leave if you reside along the shore, or in a flood-prone area. Your “plan” will involve planning the escape path and preparing for a secure safe place to live with your family in advance.
Community refuges in a location are for those who have no other spot to go. If you choose to live in an evacuation area, listen to television reports for evacuation updates. Volunteers in shelters do their best to keep you happy, but a sanctuary is not a relaxing environment. If necessary, live with acquaintances or family.
- People with unique medical requirements such as oxygen cannot travel to facilities for special needs. Special needs facilities do not have direct medical services, only professional observation.
- Shelters that accept pets are restricted, and you can make some plans for your dogs.
- Bring treats and milk. For the first 24 hours, the meals will not be accessible.
- Place your identity card, precious documents, and medications in secure storage.
- When you have a little boy, carry the infant items.
- Bring covers, sleeping sheets, and pillows that are either not available at shelters or reduced in quantity. You may even want to carry cards, toys, or books to help pass the hours when waiting for a storm to pass.
- Bring flashlights and an optional battery-operated radio.
- Stay indoors and follow the instructions issued for your security and safety; you won’t be allowed outside before the officials issue an “all clear” call.
Conclusion
Keep in mind not to use your judgment when leaving your house. Understanding the safest place in a house during a hurricane can help you survive the forces of nature. We advise not to come out until you hear the authorities that it’s all clear to go out. Know more about emergency plans.