Hurricane Season Tips from a Survivor

While hurricane season has been in full swing for a while, so far this year we haven't faced anything major. However August is a month for notoriously disastrous hurricanes, as we can personally attest to from August 29, 2005. From the very beginning of Katrina's debut into the Gulf of Mexico, the people on the coast started making preparations for the worst. Food supplies that could easily be stored and didn't require cooking were bought and stocked. Water was rallied from all sources. Trips were made to the pharmacy to refill medicines that were essential to people's survival. Windows were boarded up and batteries were bought by the dozens as were flashlights, candles, and any type of light that didn't require electricity. People stocked up on portable radios and televisions. In effect the hatches were battened.

However the worst scenario hadn't been envisioned. Everyone was prepared for the wind that is typical of a hurricane. People that lived close to the beaches either evacuated for the most part or found someone closer inland to spend the expected landfall time with. The best advice during a hurricane threat is to expect the unexpected. You can't plan for every single thing that could occur. But Katrina taught some valuable lessons. The best possible preparation you can make is to gas up your car and leave. Find a hotel, motel, or a friend or relative that is as far north as you can. The wide area that Katrina affected taught us that hurricanes can wreak havoc for miles and miles past what is expected. When you get ready to evacuate, don't wait until the last minute. The sooner you leave the less time it will take for you to get wherever you are going. Traffic, bumper to bumper, is the result of waiting until the hurricane is not far from landfall. Trips that normally take 4 or 5 hours can take 10 and 12. Not only is this dangerous, but the longer you delay, the odds that you may not be able to leave increase.

If you cannot leave, for whatever reason, try to get in touch with the proper officials to get help being moved to a safer spot. Many people do not have dependable cars to just pick up and go when they need to. Due to this, after Katrina, officials began setting up a number you could call in advance to get transportation if a hurricane threatens your area. Register with these numbers so you will not be in the position of not being able to leave. If everything fails and you cannot leave, make sure you are in a sturdy building that has access to the roof or a second or third story. Many longtime coastal residents keep axes in their attic for the purpose of being able to cut through their roof if they have to take refuge in their attic and the water gets to that level. If taking refuge in a second or third story of a building make sure that is where all your supplies are. Your food, water, medicines, blankets, flashlights, and portable radios need to be here so they can be kept dry. Waterproof bags are a good idea, especially for medicines that are absolutely needed.

When gathering your supplies such as food and water make sure you get enough to last for several days. Many times it takes several days for rescue personnel to get to the affected area. The more you can get in reserve, the better. Last but not least, do not panic. If you keep your head you have a much better chance of survival.