Hurricane preparedness: What to do when disaster strikes

Copyright: Photo by Josh Sorenson from Pexels

We try our best to avoid disasters or problems of any kind in our business and home lives. Plans, procedures and trainings are put in place for the safety of employees and family members when a disaster like a hurricane rolls into town. Hurricanes produce winds ranging from 74 to 200 mph. A storm with that much strength will certainly leave its mark and destroy everything in its path. How can you be fully prepared for when disaster strikes and how can you weather the storm?

Hurricane season timing

Hurricanes are most common from June 1 to November 30 (for the Atlantic region). Why is that? Through the summer months the ocean temperature spikes as the weather heats up. And as the weather gets hotter, more moisture is placed in the atmosphere which builds up over time.

NOAA can explain it better than we can, “Hurricanes start simply with the evaporation of warm seawater, which pumps water into the lower atmosphere. This humid air is then dragged aloft when converging winds collide and turn upwards. At higher altitudes, water vapor starts to condense into clouds and rain, releasing heat that warms the surrounding air, causing it to rise as well. As the air far above the sea rushes upward, even more warm moist air spirals in from along the surface to replace it.” Because of this change in the weather and temperatures, the hurricane season is at its prime during the month of September.

Safety planning

Now that you know when a hurricane is more likely to happen, it is time to get your safety plan ready. Having supplies in stock will help if you are unable to get out. Some of these items include:

• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Portable radio
• First Aid kit
• Non-perishable food
• Bottled water
• Map
• Medicine
• Generator
• Blankets

Thinking ahead and preparing for the worst will help keep you, your loved ones and even your co-workers safe. It may be time to take another look at your insurance plan and the possibility of updating it to make sure items you want are covered. In your place of business and your home, have an evacuation plan created. Where will you go if you are unable to stay in your home or office? How do you get to that meeting point? Make sure everyone involved knows the plan.

Resources to tune into

During a natural disaster the National Weather Service provides consistent communication through the means of TV, radio, cell phones and computers. Local authorities in your area will provide statements and assistance if needed. Staying tuned in is the best way to avoid any danger. Communication may direct you to an evacuation. If this is the case it is important to listen to authorities and leave as soon as possible.

Keep the following list handy for additional helpful resources in the event of a hurricane or natural disaster.

American Red Cross

Center of Disease Control and Prevention

FLASH Federal Alliance for Safe Homes

Ready

Be safe. Be prepared. Want even more information on disaster preparedness? Check out our blog! Do you have other suggestions or resources to check out? Sound off in the comments below.