Staying Safe During HURRICANE SEASON

One evening, just after putting my daughter to sleep, I received a phone call from a family member who was concerned because a tornado had just touched down near where I live. She had been watching the weather radar and realized a big storm was close to my home. When I opened my front door, I heard the loud tornado siren. I had not been looking at the weather, and tornado sirens do not always alert people indoors, so I was clueless about the severity of the storm. Several questions popped into my head, such as “Which room in my apartment is safest?†“Are we okay staying on the second floor?†“Do we need to go to a shelter?†“Is there a shelter nearby?†“Can we bring our pets?†“What does the tornado siren even mean?†However, the biggest question was, “Why had we not made an emergency plan before now?â€

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. For those who live along the coast, or even 100 miles inland, that can mean more hurricanes. Hurricanes are large storm systems that form over warm ocean waters and move toward land. According to the National Climate Assessment, hurricanes in the North Atlantic have increased in intensity, frequency, and duration since the early 1980s. Hurricane season for the Atlantic and Central Pacific runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak occurring between mid-August and late October. For the Eastern Pacific, hurricane season begins May 15 and ends November 30.

Hurricanes can pose a great risk to lives and property. In addition to the storm surge (the abnormal rise of water created by a storm’s winds, which is the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States), the heavy rains can cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. The storm also brings high wind speeds that can destroy buildings and even carry loose items left outside at high speeds to create large projectiles.

It is especially important to know what the various alerts issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) mean during hurricane season. The term advisory—such as a tropical storm or hurricane advisory—is used when NWS expects conditions to cause significant problems that may be dangerous. Use caution to ensure the situation is not life-threatening. A tropical storm or hurricane watch is issued when a tropical storm or hurricane is possible within 48 hours. When under a watch, individuals should keep a close eye on the weather by tuning into the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio All Hazards, local radio, TV, or other trusted news sources. If a watch is issued, it is essential to check emergency supplies and gather items that may be needed in the event of power loss. Lastly, a tropical storm or hurricane warning is issued when a tropical storm or hurricane is likely within 36 hours. As soon as the warning is issued, people should complete any storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by officials.

Anyone who has not prepared for this storm season should start now.

An excellent place to begin is learning about the local community’s evacuation plan. Once a hurricane is imminent, officials will issue evacuation orders to those in areas that will be in danger. Take the time to research evacuation routes for the local community and find a nearby shelter. When planning for evacuation, it is important to account for road closures, so find a few different routes that can be taken to a safe location. If the local community is not told to evacuate, it is preferable to shelter in place, either at home or at the home of a friend or family member. The chosen location should be a sturdy building that is not in a flood-prone area. The best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level that is not likely to flood.

Families should develop a communication plan that establishes important phone numbers to memorize or have written down and a main contact point for everyone before, during, and after the storm to help reconnect if separated.

Families should develop a communi­cation plan that establishes important phone numbers to memorize or have written down and a main contact point for everyone before, during, and after the storm to help reconnect if sepa­rated. If a family member lives out of the area, ask them if they will be the main contact to call, text, or contact through social media. Because local phone lines can become jammed dur­ing emergencies, social media apps can be an effective way to reach each other. Each family’s plan should also include meeting places for their household, keeping in mind that emergencies can happen while family members are at work or school.

When making an emergency plan and gathering supplies, consider any specific needs family members may have, such as medical needs, dietary restrictions, pets, and the various ages of members within the household. Another important thing to consider is how COVID-19 may affect emergency plans. Some emergency shelters may be closed due to the pandemic, so it may be wise to check again, even if a local shelter was previously open. Being vaccinated provides protection from severe illness and death, but wearing a mask in indoor public places is also recommended. If sheltering in a public shelter, each family should try to stay a safe distance from others outside their household and maintain good hygiene by frequently washing or disinfecting their hands.

Making emergency plans can ensure everyone stays safe during hurricanes and other extreme weather events. Having a plan can provide peace of mind if it is necessary to evacuate because of a hurricane. Children should be allowed to be a part of their family’s discussion to understand what to do during an emergency. They can even help build an emergency kit and write down important phone numbers.

Luckily for my family, that tornado quickly moved away from us, and our area was taken off of the tornado warning, although the high winds, rain, and hail from the storm kept us up late into the night. After that, we made a concrete plan of where to go, whom to call, and what we needed to stay prepared for extreme weather. I was able to answer all those questions running through my mind during the storm, and now I know what to do the next time I hear the tornado siren.