Preparing for Hurricane Season

A hurricane can bring major devastation to waterfront communities. Homeowners should prepare well in advance for such a major weather event that could knock out power lines and destroy infrastructures such as roads and bridges. First and foremost, it’s important to have a clear understanding of any evacuation routes that must be used when a hurricane is projected to arrive. Municipalities assign specific routes to residents based on the neighborhoods they live in to avoid traffic jams. Several days before a hurricane is expected to arrive, local media broadcast detailed information about the proper ways to evacuate. Residents should tune into their local news channels and take notes of the latest updates on evacuation plans. There might be a state of emergency within 24 to 48 hours of a hurricane’s arrival. When such a situation is in effect, residents are encouraged to leave hazardous zones and avoid coming back until the state of emergency is lifted.

During and after a hurricane, communication may be severely cut off. Power outages could knock out land phone lines and fiber optic cables that carry high-speed internet data. Of course, cell phone services might also be compromised due to damage to wireless towers. An emergency kit for a hurricane should include radios that provide reliable forms of communication. You should keep spare batteries to power radios that can catch AM and FM bands. Additionally, two-way radios provide excellent communication within a range of about 20 miles. These handheld devices are also useful in alerting local authorities in emergency situations. Distress signals can be sent out to police and fire departments via two-way radios.

Municipal shelters usually have generators that provide electricity to power appliances and other essential equipment. These facilities have some electrical outlets that can be used to charge mobile phones and other electronic devices such as laptops.

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