How Can You Prepare for a Hurricane?

takes a lot to rattle you. But whenever the National Weather Service issues a hurricane watch, it means that hurricane force winds are possible in the area within thirty six hours. That's winds of seventy four miles per hour or above, which is one hundred and nineteen kilometers per hour, which means it can't hurt. To batten down the proverbial hatches and fill up your car's gas tank just in case

of an evacuation order. So what does that entail? You want to make sure that there's nothing in your yard or on your porch that could get picked up and flung by the wind. Toys, furniture, bikes, grills, and garbage cans can all become airborne projectiles during a hurricane. You can further protect yourself in your home by closing up storm shutters if you have them, or boarding up your windows.

It's also good to make sure that you know what local shelter locations are available and withdraw some cash in case you need it during a power outage, which will take down ATMs. If a hurricane warning is issued that means hurricane force winds are expected within twelve hours. At that point, you might want to crank any refrigerators you have to their coldest settings so that any food in them will last a bit longer in case of a power outage. It's also time to start implementing whatever family

plan you have in place. More on how to make one in a minute, but it's basically making sure everyone is accounted for and has the necessities packed in case an evacuation order comes through, and making reservations if your plan involves going to or meeting at a hotel or motel in a safe area should your area receive an evacuation order, leaving as soon as possible will help prevent getting stuck in traffic, but if you have time, disconnect

some major appliances so that there's less risk of electrical shock when the power comes back and turn off the gas, electricity, and water before you leave. Make sure you have all important papers and documents with you, ID insurance policies, wills, as well as all medications you take or might need. You can also put together an emergency kit in advance, with basics like food, water, and flashlights. More on that

than a minute too. If you have an emergency kit, it's always good to bring it, even if you're expecting to have supplies on hand at a shelter or other destination. The closest possible evacuation destination is ideal. The best case scenario is often a friend or relative who lives in your area but doesn't have to evacuate. If you don't have to evacuate, or if for some reason you can't, you might decide to hunker down and ride out the

hurricane at home. First and foremost, remember that most people who get hurt during a hurricane get injured by flying debris and glass, So don't go outside. Even if it seems like the storm is over. You might actually be in the eye of the storm, and you could be stranded outside when the winds pick up again. Before you gather in a safe room in the interior of your home. Fill up a bathtub and any spare container is with water. You can use that tub water for washing and flushing

the toilets. If you have a spare bathtub, especially one towards the interior of your home, you might want to leave it empty. Tubs are always a good place to take shelter if you cover yourself with blankets. If you're trapped in a building that's flooding, go to the highest level that you can, but don't climb into a closed attic where you could become trapped by riseing water. If you do encounter flooding water, don't walk, swim, or drive

through it. Even just six inches that's fifteen centimeters, a fast moving water can knock you down one foot that's thirty centimeters of moving water could sweep your car away. Turn around and try another route. But okay. Back to family plans and emergency kits. For a family plan, you're looking to make sure everyone in your household knows what to do and where to go in case of a hurricane. So identify a safe room in your house where everyone can gather. If you're sitting at a storm, it should

be an interior room. Preferably a bathroom or in the basement. Stay flexible, though, and be ready to move to an upper floor in case of flooding, but also think of safe places to meet in the event of a hurricane if you're unable to stay in your home, whether it's a motel, a friend's house, or a shelter, the shorter the trip the better, but if you have pets, make sure they can accommodated. Memorize evacuation roots to get there from your home, office, or school, and have all emergency

phone numbers stored in everyone's cell phones. This should include an out of state friend or relative that the whole family can use as a point of contact. For your emergency kit, you should include enough water and non perishable food for each person for three to seven days. Everyone should have a gallon of water per day. You'll also want a week's worth of clothing, medications, BATA supplies, and pet items, and any personal hygiene items that you each use.

After that, some basic tools and other supplies that may come in handy, including flashlights and batteries, a first aid kit, a weather radio, a multi purpose tool, cell phone chargers, a manual can opener, paper cups, and plates, plastic utensils, water purification tablets, moist tablets, and garbage bags. You can also include copies of important personal documents, insurance paperwork, and

your pet's vaccination records. A ninety nine percent of your job will be complete once you've secured your home, figured out your plan, and stocked your emergency kit. At the start of hurricane season every year, double check your supplies and replace batteries to ensure that you'll be ready to hit the ground running if a tropical storm does come

your way. Once a storm has passed, it's always tempting to go outside and see what's going on, but wait until the authorities give the all clear signal, and even then, watch for hazards like downed power lines, damage structures or trees that might fall, and broken glass or other debris. If you need to start cleaning up, wear protective clothing, shoes, gloves, and goggles. Don't touch electrical equipment if it's wet or

if you're standing in water. Turn off the electricity at your home's main breaker, and don't wade in flood water. There could be downed lines or dangerous debris that you can't see. The phone lines could be down or overloaded at this time time, try text or social media to talk to loved ones. Document property damage with your phone or another camera. Contact your insurance agent as soon as

you can to report any damage. By the way, you'll want to read your homeowner's insurance policy closely before a storm hits. A flood damage isn't usually covered, so you'll probably need to take out a separate flood insurance policy from the federal government's National Flood Insurance Program. If you live in a hurricane country, depending on how long you are without power, inspect the food in your freezer to

see if it's safe to eat. Don't drink tap water until told it's okay to do so by the authorities. In the meantime, boil water at a roiling boil for one minute, or use water purification tablets. If you have a portable gas powered generator, use it outside on a dry and level surface. Never use it indoors, and never pour gas into it while it's running. And of course, once you safely get through a storm, it's important to

make sure that you're ready for the next one. During the off season, make sure your plans are updated and your emergency kit is refreshed, and if you own your home, make sure you keep up with any repairs, tree or landscaping work and window protection that you'll need for the coming season. And hey, stay safe out there. Today's episode is based on the article how to Prepare for Hurricane on HowStuffWorks dot com, written by Alison Cooper and John Partano.

Brain Stuff is production of iHeartRadio in partnership with how Stuffworks dot Com, and it is produced by Tyler Klang. But four more podcasts my heart Radio. Visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.