Security measures in the face of a hurricane threat

List of articles on how to survive in a hurricane

The following recommendations should be observed before the threat and event of a hurricane:

Before hurricane season starts:

• Plan an evacuation route.

• Be familiar with the safe routes inland.

• Be prepared to drive long distances and to locate a safe place.

Have provisions and supplies on hand in case of disaster:

• Battery operated lantern and extra batteries.

• Battery operated portable radio with extra batteries.

• First aid kit and first aid manual.

• Emergency food and water.

• Non electric can opener. 

• Essential medicines.

• Cash and credit cards.

• Resistant shoes.

• Make arrangements to shelter your pets.

• Ensure that all family members know how to react after a hurricane.

• Show all family members how and when to disconnect the gas, electricity, and water supplies.

• Teach children how and when to call 911, the police or the fire department as well as which radio station to listen to, for emergency information.

• Protect your windows.

• Permanent hurricane shutters are the best protection. A less expensive method consists of placing ply board wood panels. Use ½ inch wood planks – marine ply board wood is the best choice – wood should be cut to measure for each window.

• Drill holes every 18 inches for the screws.  This should be done well before the arrival of a hurricane.

• Prune or cut dead or weak branches of trees.

• Ensure safety against flooding. 

• Elaborate an emergency communication plan. 

• In case family members are separated during the disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children at school), have a plan in order to be reunited.

• Ask a relative or friend that is out of state to act as the “family contact”.  After a disaster as soon as possible make long distance calls.   Ensure that all members of the family know the name, address and telephone of the contact person. 

Security Measures
What to do before, during and after a hurricane?

Before

Go to a unit of civil security or to local authorities to find out:

• If the zone where you live is at risk.

• What locations will serve as shelters.

• How you can receive emergency messages.

• How to become part of the aid workers in case you want to help.

Talk with relatives and friends in order to organize a plan of civil security, taking into account the following measures:

• If your house is fragile (reed, palapa, adobe, straw or similar materials).

• Have a predetermined shelter (school, church, government buildings or agency).

• Make necessary repairs to roofs, windows, and walls in order to avoid greater damages.

• Store fertilizers and insecticides in waterproof places as they will contaminate water if they are in contact with it.

• Find a place to protect your animals and equipment.

• Plan your means of transportation in case of ill or elderly family members.

Have on hand the following articles in case of emergency:

• Medicine kit and instructions for first aid  (ask for training in your Health Center).

• Battery operated radio and lantern(s) with the necessary spare parts and extra batteries.

• Boiled water in covered containers.

• Canned foods (tuna, sardines, beans, milk) and other foods that do not require refrigeration.

• Floating devises (such as inner tubes and life jackets)

• Important documents (birth and marriage certificates, records, land and agricultural papers, etc.) keep them in plastic bags in a backpack in order to keep arms and hands free.
  

Before a hurricane warning and depending on its severity you can:

• Remain at home if it is safe, or move to a predetermined shelter. 

• However, if authorities recommend you evacuate the home where you live, do not hesitate. Do it!!!

This recommendation is based on the knowledge of the danger of the hurricane.
During

• Remain calm and calm your family members.  A distressed person can make mistakes. 

• Continue listening to the battery operated radio in order to hear instructions or information about the hurricane.

• Disconnect all appliances as well as the main electric switch.

• Shut off water and gas valves.

• Stay away from windows and doors.

• Do not light candles, use only battery operated lamps.

• Look after children, the elderly and ill people who are with you.

• If a window or door opens, do not move towards it facing forward.

• Constantly check the water level around your home.

• Do not go outdoors until the authorities indicate that the danger has passed.

The eye of a hurricane creates a calm that can last up to one hour before the destructive force of winds (traveling in the opposite direction), return.  

After

• Remain calm.

• Follow instructions given by radio or other media forms.

• Immediately report any injuries to emergency services.

• Ensure that your food supply is clean, do not eat anything raw or of doubtful origin.

• Drink potable water that was stored or boil water you are going to drink.

• Use the most protective shoes that you have.

• Carefully clean any toxic, medicinal or flammable spills that occurred.

• Check your house carefully to ensure that there is no danger.  If your house did not suffer any damages, remain there.

• Keep gas, lights and water disconnected until you are sure that there are no leaks or danger of short circuits.

• Ensure that your electrical appliances are dry before connecting them.

• Do not spread or pay attention to rumors.

• Use the telephone only for emergencies.

• Collaborate with your neighbors to repair any damages.

• If necessary, request help from a first aid unit or the closest authorities.

• If your home is in an affected area, do not return to it until the authorities indicate that it is safe to do so. 

• Remove stagnant water to avoid mosquito infestations.

• If you must go out: stay away from disaster areas; do not touch or step on electrical cables; stay away from houses, trees and posts that are in danger of falling.

List of supplies to survive a Hurricane

• Canned food, soups, juices and milk.

• Water (one gallon per person per day).

• Battery operated lantern and extra batteries.

• Battery operated radio or television and extra batteries.

• Map of evacuation route.

• List of emergency contact numbers.

• Medicines and food for children.

Supplies for pets: 

• Canned or dehydrated food

• Water (1/2 gallon per pet per day)

• Travel accessories for pets (collars, leashes, carrying crates)

 Medical emergency supplies:

• A first aid Kit

• Prescribed medicines for your family

• Extra money in cash and credit cards

• Bleach or water purifying tablets. 

Important Documents:

• Photocopies of medical prescriptions

• Medical history and other relevant information (such as allergies and medicines)

• Back up discs of important electronic files

• Film and video camera (to photograph possible destructions and show evidence to your insurance company)

• Photograph of your pet

• Driver’s license

• Identification photographs of all family members

• Insurance documents

Other

• Hygiene products

• Toilet paper and disposable Kleenexes

• Disposable diapers

• Photographs of your home and important objects (in case of damages and for insurance purposes)

• Reserve pair of eye glasses and contact lenses

• Extra set of keys

• Masking tape

• Tools

• Garbage bags

• Electrical extension cords

• Energy generator (optional)
  

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Information taken from:
CENAPRED. Huracanes. Fascículo No.5, julio de 1994.

Federal Emergency Management Agency
www.fema.org