Home Security Information


Handling a Hurricane; Part 2 - Preparing for and Surviving an Approaching Hurricane


Part 1 of this article described some of the characteristics of hurricanes and the damage they can cause. In the days before high tech weather forecasting, well organized emergency services, and mandatory evacuation, major hurricanes resulted in hundreds, if not thousands of deaths.

Most deaths, much property damage, and significant financial loss are all preventable with sensible forward planning and early action. Let's have a look at how you can protect yourself, your family, and your property if a hurricane crosses the coast in your area

To find out more about hurricanes visit http://www.home-weather-stations-guide.com/hurricanes.html

Advance Preparation for the Hurricane Season

The North American hurricane season starts on June 1st, reaches a peak in August and September, and fades out over the next two months. This doesn't mean that major hurricanes won't occur before or after the peak - July 2005 set new records for early hurricanes.

Unlike a tornado, a hurricane can be monitored and tracked for some time before its final landfall or decay. If you are a resident or visitor in a target area, you will normally have considerable advance warning of a hurricane's approach, and time to safeguard your home or prepare for evacuation.

But the best time to start preparing is before the threat is visible. You can do this by

  • Insuring your house and property to the maximum extent possible. An up to date inventory of your possessions is a smart move.

  • Storing important documents and valuable possessions in a secure place away from your home.

  • Checking with your local emergency co-ordinators on the risk of storm surges and flooding, and assessing your risks of damage from strong winds.

  • Preparing for evacuation if you live in a high risk coastal area. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, and put together an emergency kit which you can grab at short notice if you need to leave.

  • Owning a battery operated Weather Radio. This will provide you with warnings about the storm's location and time and location of landfall, and will also advise when the crisis has passed.

  • Considering strengthening your roof against lifting by severe winds - options include roof strapping or extra clips.

  • You may also consider reinforcing an internal room as a safe room, a practice recommended for tornado prone areas. A bathroom on the lower level of your house may be ideal, and would provide last resort protection for you and your family against destructive winds.

  • Preparing an emergency kit in case you lose power and water during the hurricane. This should contain basic food supplies, water, torches and battery operated radios, a portable bottled gas stove, and anything else that will make life a little more bearable.

    Obviously most of the components of your kit will be somewhere around the house, but imagine how much easier it will be if everything you need is in the one place when the lights go out.

When A Hurricane Is Approaching

  • Listen out for hurricane watches, warnings and special bulletins on Weather Radio, normal radio and TV. A Hurricane Watch (which also covers slightly less severe tropical storms which can develop into hurricanes) means hurricane conditions are possible in the next 36 hours. Check for updates on radio, TV, internet.

    A Hurricane Warning means a hurricane is expected within 24 hours.

  • Put up storm shutters and secure firmly. Don't bother with taping windows - it won't help and it's no fun to remove when the threat has passed

  • Secure all outdoor and garden furniture - store in an enclosed area.

  • Evacuate if advised, or if you are threatened by flooding or storm surges, if you live in a mobile home or high rise, or if you feel unsafe. Leave as soon as you can. Turn off power, gas and water if advised.

  • If you are staying, assume power and water may be cut. Fill your bathtub and other containers with water, turn your refrigerator to its coldest setting and keep the door closed, and turn off propane gas.

During a Hurricane

  • Stay inside. The main dangers are flying debris and downed power lines. Listen to Weather Radio, and don't go outside until the hurricane has passed. If the eye passes over you, a deceptive period of calm will be followed by the return of strong winds and heavy rain.

  • Secure all doors and windows, close off windows with curtains or blinds, and close all internal doors.

  • At the peak of the hurricane, go to a safe room on lower floor - lie or crouch under a sturdy table or other piece of strong furniture.

With a little good fortune, these fairly simple precautions should get you through the hurricane safely. You will have done well, and will emerge healthy and fit enough to tackle the inevitable clean up. Good luck.

But always remember that hurricanes are short lived and are only likely to be a threat for a small part of the year. Think of them as an occasional tax to be paid for the benefits of an otherwise pleasant climate.

©2005, Graham McClung. This article is adapted from a free special report on weather emergencies. It can be downloaded from http://www.home-weather-stations-guide.com/tyvm.html

While you're there, check out the rest of the site for more information on dangerous and spectacular weather.


MORE RESOURCES:

Tornado victims dogged by home-security company
Joplin Globe
Roger Stinnett was chagrined to find a home-security company recently resuming monthly automatic payment taps on his and his wife's bank account. Stinnett, a retired teacher and Episcopal priest, and his wife, Sherrie, lost their home of 17 years in ...
KCTV 5Joplin residents lost home, but not security billsKCTV Kansas City

all 9 news articles »


BBC News

TRENDnet home security cams' vulnerability exposed
Computer Business Review
A blog named Consolecowboys identified a security vulnerability in some of the TRENDnet home security cameras in the second week of January. This vulnerability allows web users to access them without the need for a password. It was discovered while the ...
Hacked Home Security Cams Link to Bedroom ScenesNewser
Trendnet security cam flaw exposes video feeds on netBBC News

all 6 news articles »


Home Security – Padlocks, alarm systems or CCTV
Brunei News, Brunei Headlines from Brunei fm
Today, everyone knows the importance of home security and therefore look beyond the standard door latch to secure their premises. Alarm system is the second line of defence which many people install for enhanced protection.



Home Security Tips for Scared Adults Home Alone
Houston Chronicle
Home Security Store has the solution. By the time one is an adult, he or she has likely long been capable of staying home alone. However, just because you have aged a little does not mean that you are any less scared than when you were 12 years old, ...

and more »


Elite Security Services Announce 10% Discount for Home Security Systems ...
PR Web (press release)
The customers of Elite Security Services will now receive a 10 % discount on ADT move certificate while purchasing their home security systems. The ADT move certificate is required by the house owners when they relocate to a new home.
Elite Security Services Announces Free Offer for Door and Window Sensor with ...DigitalJournal.com (press release)

all 3 news articles »


SafeMart Home Security Named Stevie Award Finalist for Best Customer Service
MarketWatch (press release)
In this nationwide competition, SafeMart Home Security will either win a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal for having one of the top three e-Commerce Customer Service teams in the nation. The Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service recognizes the ...

and more »


Comcast Takes Home Security To Mile-High City
Multichannel News
By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 2/1/2012 9:02:28 AM Looking to secure incremental revenue in a new product category, Comcast this week is launching the Xfinity Home service for home security and automation across its metro Denver service area as ...
Broadband-based Comcast enters home-security market long tied to land linesDenver Post
Comcast Expands Home Security Service Denver Latest to Get Comcast's New PlayDslreports
Comcast Helps Power the Digital Home with the Launch of “Xfinity Home” Service ...EON: Enhanced Online News (press release)

all 17 news articles »


Elite Security Service's Home Security Systems with Advanced Motion Detection ...
PR Web (press release)
The Canadian customers of Elite Security Services can now enjoy the benefits of the new motion detection device by installing their home security systems. This new device has gained immense popularity in the United States over the last few months.

and more »


police program aims to curb burglaries
Arizona Republic
4, 2012 07:27 AM That's why the Gilbert Police Department hopes more will take advantage of Lock'em Out (www.lockemout.net), a program it introduced in 2000 to help homeowners with home security. Part of the program offers a free home-security analysis ...

and more »


Showcasing home security
Dundalk Argus
... at the Ballymascanlon Hotel, is organised by Sgt. Vinnie Jackson, and will feature some of the area's top security firms as well as companies from further afield, who will show members of the public the latest technology in home security systems.


Google News

home | site map
© 2007