Hurricane Survival Tips That Could Save Your Life

Hurricane Fast Facts

• Hurricanes typically appear between June and November and hurricane season usually peaks in September
• The average hurricane is three miles wide
• The right side of a hurricane is often its most dangerous side
• Hurricanes last an average of nine days, but are most destructive during their first 12 hours onshore

Source: NationalGeographic.com

Hurricanes can be deadly. These storms kill and injure many thousands of people each year. The sad part is that most of these injuries and deaths could be prevented with some simple safety and preparedness measures. Here are a few specific hurricane survival tips that could save your life:

Take Watches and Warnings Seriously

If hurricane conditions are possible in your area, a hurricane WATCH will be issued. This is meant to tell you that there is a chance of a hurricane hitting within the next 36 hours. If hurricane conditions are expected, a WARNING will be issued. Warnings typically come 24 hours ahead of time, but may come later if the hurricane takes a surprise turn.

If a watch or warning has been issued for your area, it is imperative that you listen to the local news and radio. This is where you will get the most up-to-date storm information as well as any evacuation notices.

Always take watches and warnings seriously. The more time you take to prepare (and to evacuate if necessary), the more likely you are to come out of the storm unscathed.

Prepare for High Winds

High winds are among the most dangerous aspects of any hurricane as a strong gust of wind can turn almost any object in your yard into a projectile missile. As soon as a warning is issued, search your yard for anything that isn't nailed down, and put all of those the items inside your house, garage, or shed. This includes lawn chairs, kids' toys, tools, lawnmowers, tires and other such objects.

You will also want to protect yourself from flying glass. If you have hurricane shutters over your windows, close them. If not, you can install precut half-inch plywood boards with anchors over your windows. A final option is to put tape over the glass in a checkerboard pattern. Although this will not stop the glass from breaking, it may prevent shards of glass from becoming airborne.

Other, more permanent measures that you can take to protect your home from high winds include:

• Installing additional truss braces to make your roof stronger if you have a gable roof
• Retrofitting your home with hurricane straps-these are meant to hold the roof to the walls
• Reinforcing the bolts and pins that secure double-entry doors with a specially-made bolt kit
• Reinforcing your garage door(s) at the weakest point with a retrofit kit or installing a reinforced garage door
• Installing storm shutters over windows, sliding glass doors, French doors and skylights
• Checking tie downs periodically if you own a manufactured home

Prepare to Evacuate

If you are told to evacuate, you must do so immediately. Any delay may prevent you from getting out of the area or from finding room at a shelter. For this reason, you should have an evacuation kit prepared and ready to go as soon as any hurricane warnings are issued. The kit should be easily transportable and include:

• Personal documents (driver's license, social security card, wills, deeds, insurance policies, tax records, birth certificates, marriage certificates and any other documents you deem too important to lose)
• Cash and credit cards
• Important phone numbers
• Essential medications
• First aid kit
• Map
• Battery powered radio
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Utility (Swiss army-type) knife
• Extra clothes
• Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags and a tent
• Bottled water, canned food, silverware and a can opener.

You should also get cash from a bank or ATM and fill your car up with gas as soon as the warning is issued. This will save you time later on.