Hurricane hazards can be avoided if you understand the dangers and are prepared. Minimize your damage by taking the proper precautions and evacuate if authorities ask you to leave.
One of the most dangerous elements in a hurricane is the storm surge. Storm surge is a wall of water rushing onto land from the sea. The wall can be 30 feet high or more and push inland by many miles. Never stay anywhere near the coast when a hurricane is eminent.
Hurricanes can pack winds up over 150 mph. Winds this high can rip off roofs, uproot trees and turn street signs into projectile missiles. A person cannot stand up in wind that strong, so don't plan to stay if a strong hurricane is on its way to your area.
Hurricanes spawn tornadoes. These do damage all their own and can take a house apart, when the winds of the hurricane might have left it standing. With the threat of storm surge as well, going to a basement is not a good idea. The safest thing to do, again, is to leave before the storm gets there.
The torrential rains of a hurricane, along with storm surge can cause massive flooding over wide areas. Sometimes the flood waters are deep enough to completely bury homes. Climbing to an attic will only trap you against the roof if flood waters get that high. Get to high ground before the storm hits for the best chance at survival.
The high winds of hurricanes and the tornadoes they create can send objects, both large and small, flying. Tree branches, signs, roofing tiles and even cars can go hurtling with enough force to kill if they were to strike a person.
Never try to "sit it out" when an order to evacuate has been issued. Take cover, get to high ground, your life is worth more than the material things you possess.
Awesome list!
Geen through a few of these ... nice list!
I guess I never realized hurricanes spawned tornados! Your advice to evacuate is valuable. It saves not just your life but keeps rescuers from endangering themselves on your behalf.
select one here...