Surviving A Hurricane (Part 1)

Summer is here!

And...so is Hurricane Season, which starts June 1st. While most hurricanes occur in September, now is the time to get prepared. There are things you need to have on hand and preparations to make. The best advice is to evacuate; however, if you do find yourself in the aftermath of a hurricane, survival will be the order of the day.

I remember walking in water chest deep, ever watchful for snakes, after Hurricane Betsy in 1965, searching for my in-laws. Hurricane Camille struck a couple of years later, leaving indescribable destruction. My observation of people over the years convinces me that most people not only don't know how to prepare for a hurricane, but don't know what to prepare for, either.

Be assured that relief agencies Such as the Red Cross will try to bring aid and assistance in as soon as the storm has passed, but it will take time. Power lines and fallen trees will block the roads that haven't been washed away. In addition, they must determine the kind of aid that is needed. It takes time.

The hurricane lasts for a few hours. The misery lasts for weeks, maybe months. Get used to roughing it. You will probably spend one to two weeks without electricity, telephone and running water. Unless you are flooded, you will probably still have natural gas, but don't count on it.

Lacking the above utilities, you will be without communication, refrigeration, electric appliances, safe potable water and sewage service; this will mean that gas stations, grocery stores and retail merchants will be closed also. Assuming that you have shelter, you will need clean, safe water, a method of cooking (and boiling water), and a supply of food. All work will be manual, and there will be risks of injury from the damage caused by the storm.

Some things to prepare for:

No Electricity

• Batteries for flashlights, radios, etc.;
• Stock your refrigerator and freezer (fill empty spaces with containers or water/ice if necessary) to preserve your food;
• Electric kitchen appliances will be useless (if your range is electric, have a barbecue grill handy);
• "Strike anywhere" matches, candles, fire starters (even a magnifying lens);
• Manual hand tools.

No Water

• Have a supply of safe drinking water, and a larger supply of water for washing, etc.
• Have a supply of ordinary bleach (more on this a in a future feature).
• Have provisions for catching, filtering, disinfecting and boiling rain water;

No stores open for business

• Keep your gas tank filled;
• Keep a good supply of canned and non-perishable food on hand;
• Have adequate First Aid supplies;

Hurricane Forecasts, Facts, Advisories

WWL-TV Weather - Hurricane Information

Hurricane Tracking Maps