What if you live in a state where there are hurricanes

Another hurricane season is approaching. Storms hit the United States every year. Despite this, former Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Brock Long believes the United States does not have a “culture of preparedness” for hurricanes.

Фото: Depositphotos

Preparing for a disaster requires more than stocking your cellar with food, water and essential supplies, Long said. It is equally important for life to stock up on money in case of an emergency - these preventive measures can have a serious impact, up to the choice between life and death, notes USA Today.

If we talk about specific hurricanes, which at this very moment are approaching the territory of the United States from both the Atlantic and the Pacific regions, the inhabitants of the territories potentially exposed to the storm have several steps that can be taken to protect themselves. What to do, say several valuable sources, including the American Red Cross, the National Hurricane Center, Ready.gov and weather.gov:

Prepare an “alarm” kit: This is the first Red Cross recommendation that lists some of the basic necessities - water (a gallon, about 3,7 liters per person per day for at least 3 days), non-perishable food (also for at least 3 day), medicines and medical supplies, flashlights, extra batteries, a first aid kit and a portable radio.

Personal documents, cell phones with chargers, a can opener and at least one change of clothes complement this list. All this can be collected long before the hurricane.

Фото: Depositphotos

Make sure that the car is in working condition and with a full tank of fuel, cell phones are charged and medical prescriptions are full.

Store important documents in a safe and accessible place, with copies of files on a flash drive or in a password-protected vault. Consider removing the most important documents on a cell phone camera.

Re-equip all windows: Storm shutters provide the best protection, but a durable and less expensive alternative is attaching veneer to your windows. Don't fall for the myth that putting tape on your windows will protect your glass, as more than half of Americans believe, according to the Federal Safer Homes Alliance. This can only provide temporary peace of mind for the owners, nothing more.

Also protect doors, especially garage doors—they tend to be the most vulnerable.

Bring in the house or garage loose items: patio furniture and other free-standing or lying objects can turn into shells in strong winds. They must be stored inside. If it is unsafe (for example, gas tanks), fasten them properly outside. In addition, trim the branches of trees that can damage the house, clean the gutters and downpipes, and drive cars out of places prone to flooding in the rain.

Фото: Depositphotos

Have a plan: Be aware of the evacuation route in your area and the location of local shelters. Come up with an emergency plan for everyone, including any pets, and share it with the rest of the family. Everyone in the family should know what to do and how to contact each other if they are away from home in an emergency. Share the plan with a friend or relative living far from the storm zone.

Many shelters do not accept animals, so people with pets and livestock should attend to their evacuation ahead of time, sending animals to a safe area.

Be careful when using a portable generator.: While generators can keep the lights on and the refrigerator running during a power outage, there are risks in using them. Generators should never be used indoors—even in a garage or basement—but should be stored at least 30 feet from the home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. It is not recommended to use a generator if the house is flooded: this increases the risk of electric shock.

Фото: Depositphotos

Experts say the safest and most efficient way to use a generator is to have a qualified electrician install a transfer switch to supply power to your home. Backfeeding, the practice of connecting a generator directly to the home's outlets, is illegal and dangerous.

Know what to avoid: do not walk, ride or swim in flowing water, even if it is possible; such waters may be polluted or hide hazardous debris that has collapsed power lines. Avoid beaches and river banks. If the power is off, rely on flashlights instead of candles.

Follow the instructions: evacuate immediately if required by the authorities. They may also ask you to turn off the power and / or water. Stay tuned for local news. Notify family and friends about your situation and whereabouts.

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