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Be Prepared
Evacuation is always the most safe means of protecting your family.
In reality this is easier said than done. With the cost of gas and lodging leaving the area might not be feasible. After
Hurricane Andrew I asked many why they stayed and most said that they did not want to leave their pets or they had a
fear of looting.
Going to a community shelter may not be a good option either, the roof of the shelter in DeSoto
County blew off. Many shelters are not designed to withstand a tornado or even a strong hurricane, ask your community
where your nearest shelter is and how it is constructed. DO NOT THINK THAT A METAL BUILDING WILL SURVIVE A STORM.
A church located in The Villages in Central Florida was completely destroyed by a tornado recently, that metal framed
building was rated to withstand 150 mph wind, sometimes these ratings are good for only 5 minutes though. Personally
from my experiences if a structure cannot withstand a tornado and tornados are likely during hurricanes, that structure is
not hurricane proof. Sure thick concrete walls stand but what good is it to have walls bu no roof, just ask those who
have had blue tarps over their roofs for months or a year if they even had a roof.
WATER Keep water on hand
expecially when a storm is approaching. Ideally a gallon of water per person per day for a week, filling the bath tub
is a good option. Store containers of water in the freezer, if power goes out you will have not only ice to preserve
perishables but also water once the ice melts.
FOOD Store can goods throughout the year, don't get caught
in the last minute rush to the supermarket.
SOLAR OUTDOOR LIGHTS For less than $20 solar lawn lights can
be bought, better option than candles, leave them out during the day and bring them into the house at night.
GAS
Storing gas is dangerous but a necessity if running a generator or traveling by car. Only use containers designed for
gas. The trick is to store before the rush to the gas stations begins.
By having these items and a secure
shelter your family will endure any calamity. The above are the bare necessities, so as to be able to endure weeks
without power and water there are other items you might want to consider: generator, solar water heating bags, tarps, battery
operated or DC powered appliances, means to charge cell phone are but some.
During Wilma only the landline phone system
worked, those who had digital phone service through their cable company did not.
Most dangerous time of a storm
is after it is over. Electrocution from down power lines, sharp debris, loose falling debris and unstable structures
are situations that are encountered after a storm. Stay where you are until an all clear is given.
Once winds
reach above a certain wind speed it will become too dangerous for rescue units to respond to any calls, at this point
you are on your own.
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