Hurricane Preparation Guide

Preparing for a Hurricane: Essential Tips to Keep Your Family Safe

Welcome to our Dadeland Walk guide on how to prepare for a hurricane. Hurricanes are powerful and potentially destructive natural disasters that can cause significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and even put lives at risk. Being well-prepared is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of your family. This page will provide you with practical steps and important considerations to help you navigate through the storm with confidence.

1. Stay Informed: Staying informed is crucial during a hurricane. Regularly monitor local news, weather updates, and official meteorological channels for the latest information on approaching storms. Subscribe to emergency alerts and warnings to receive immediate updates and instructions from authorities. Familiarize yourself with the different hurricane categories and understand the potential impact each category can have on your area.

Hurricane Categories

Category 1: Winds range from 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h). Minimal damage, primarily to vegetation and unanchored mobile homes.
Category 2: Winds range from 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h). Moderate damage, including roofing materials, trees, and power outages.
Category 3: Winds range from 111-129 mph (178-208 km/h). Extensive damage, with well-built framed homes experiencing significant damage.
Category 4: Winds range from 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h). Severe damage, including roof failures, exterior walls collapse, and power outages lasting weeks.
Category 5: Winds exceed 157 mph (252 km/h). Catastrophic damage, with complete roof failure and destruction of homes. Extensive power outages last weeks or months.

Understanding Hurricane and Tropical Storm Alerts

Hurricane Watch: Indicates the possibility of hurricane conditions within 48 hours, prompting preparations.
Tropical Storm Watch: Alert for possible tropical storm conditions within 48 hours.
Hurricane Warning: Issued when hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours, requiring immediate action.
Tropical Storm Warning: Indicates expected tropical storm conditions within 36 hours, immediate action necessary.

2. Create an Emergency Plan: Develop a comprehensive family emergency plan well in advance of a hurricane. This plan should outline what actions to take before, during, and after the storm. Assign specific responsibilities to each family member, such as gathering supplies, securing the home, or contacting relatives. Establish communication protocols, including a designated out-of-state contact person who can serve as a central point of communication. Identify evacuation routes and familiarize yourself with designated shelters in case you need to evacuate. Additionally, ensure everyone knows how to turn off utilities such as gas, electricity, and water.

3. Assemble an Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit that contains essential supplies to sustain your family for at least 72 hours. Include non-perishable food items, an ample supply of drinking water (one gallon per person per day), a first aid kit, prescription medications, flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, cash in small denominations, important documents (e.g., identification, insurance papers), extra clothing, blankets, and personal hygiene items. Remember to include supplies for infants, elderly family members, and pets.

4. Safeguard Your Property: Conduct a thorough inspection of your property for any vulnerabilities that could be exacerbated by a hurricane. Trim trees and remove dead branches to minimize the risk of them falling during strong winds. Secure or bring indoors any loose outdoor objects or furniture that could become projectiles. Consider installing storm shutters on windows or prepare plywood boards in advance to cover them.

5. Secure Important Documents: Make copies of important documents and store them in a waterproof and portable container. These documents may include identification papers, insurance policies, medical records, proof of address, and any other essential paperwork. Consider creating digital copies and storing them securely in a cloud storage service for easy access even if physical copies are damaged or inaccessible.

6. Get Sufficient Cash: It is important to ensure you have an adequate amount of cash on hand before a hurricane. In the event of power outages or disruptions to banking services, access to electronic forms of payment may be limited. Cash can be crucial for purchasing emergency supplies, fuel, or other essential items when traditional payment methods are unavailable. Keep a reasonable amount of small bills and coins in a waterproof container within your emergency kit, as ATMs and banks may be inaccessible or inoperable during and after a hurricane.

7. Evacuation Planning: If local authorities issue an evacuation order, it is crucial to follow it promptly. Plan your evacuation route in advance and be aware of designated shelters along the way. Pack your emergency kit with essential supplies, lock your home securely, and inform a trusted person about your evacuation plans. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and has a full tank of gas before you leave.

8. Communication and Reunion: Establish a communication plan with your family members, relatives, and friends to keep everyone informed about your safety and whereabouts. Designate an out-of-state contact person who can serve as a central point of communication for everyone. If you get separated from your family during the hurricane, have a predetermined safe meeting place for after the storm has passed.

9. Stay Safe During the Storm: If you are unable to evacuate and must ride out the storm at home, prioritize your safety. Stay indoors and away from windows, seeking shelter in a small, windowless interior room on the lowest level of your home. Listen to battery-powered radios or use mobile apps for updated information and instructions from authorities. Avoid using candles for lighting, as they pose a fire hazard. Instead, rely on flashlights and battery-powered lanterns.

10.. After the Hurricane: Exercise caution when venturing outside once the hurricane has passed. Be mindful of hazards such as downed power lines, broken gas lines, or flooded areas. Avoid using tap water until local authorities confirm.