Hurricanes are some of the most devastating and dangerous natural disasters around the globe. These storms are responsible for millions of dollars worth of damage each year and the loss of thousands of lives.
While you cannot prevent hurricanes hitting your home, there is some things you can do to minimize the damage. These steps can help reduce stress levels and return your home to normal after a storm has passed.
It is important to take preventative measures to protect your property against hurricanes, especially if the area is near the coast. It is important to prepare for storms well in advance, as it will make it easier to take preventive steps.
Minimize damage
Because of the storm surge, heavy rain, and wind that they generate, hurricanes can cause extensive damage in a given area. These winds can lift heavy landscaping materials and uproot trees, as well as throw them through windows. Strong winds can also destroy poorly attached roofs, damage utility lines and turn smaller debris into airborne projectiles that are deadly to humans and property.
To reduce the potential damage from a hurricane, clear your yard and trim any bushes. Anything that could pose a danger during a hurricane like lawn furniture or trash bins, should be moved outside and brought inside.
To reduce the chance of windows shattering in a hurricane, board up windows with plywood or storm shutters. Make sure you update your insurance policy in order to be covered for any storm-related losses.
After you have evacuated, make sure to check for potential electrical or gas-leak dangers when you return home. To prevent fire, electrocution and explosions, you should turn off electricity and natural gas/propane tanks before entering.
Inventory your belongings and mark them with serial numbers to simplify the process of filing insurance claims if they are lost during a hurricane. This process can be simplified by many apps.
Keep track of your local weather updates and, if you are forced to evacuate due to severe weather, use the evacuation route provided by your community. This will save your time and reduce stress.
Do your research to prepare a disaster preparedness plan to assist you and family in the event that a hurricane strikes. It should include details on where water is available, how to contact relatives and other useful information that will be helpful in the case of a hurricane.
Backup chargers are essential for electronic devices and cell phones in the event of a power failure during a hurricane. You should have backup power in case of a storm.
To reduce the chance of your outdoor furniture and lawn decorations becoming projectiles, bring them indoors before a hurricane strikes. You will be safer and it will save you money over the long-term.
FAQ
Why is knot-tying important for survival?
Knots are used by people all over the world to tie together items such as ropes, fishing lines, ladders, etc. They also have many other uses, including tying bags shut, securing objects to trees, and creating makeshift shelters. You can save your life by knowing how to tie knots to trees or ropes, or to secure shelters.
What is the difference of a folding and fixed-blade knife, you ask?
Folding knives fit easily in pockets or backpacks because they fold up compactly. The blade folds away when not in use.
Fixed-blade knives have a fixed blade that can be used for normal tasks. They often have longer blades then folding knives.
Fixed-blade knives are more durable but less portable.
What is the best survival tip you have?
To survive, it is important to remain calm. If you panic, you'll make mistakes and die.
How to Navigate Without a Compass or With One
Although it doesn't give you a map of where you are heading, a compass can help you navigate back home if your bearings have been lost.
There are three options for navigation:
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By landmarks
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By magnetic North (using an compass).
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By stars
Landmarks are objects that you can recognize when they appear. These can be trees, buildings, rivers, and so on. Because they give you a visual clue about where you are, landmarks are very useful.
Magnetic North simply indicates the direction in which Earth's magnetic field points. You'll see that the sun appears as if it is moving across the sky when you look up. However, the earth's magnet field causes the sun to move about the earth. Although it appears that the sun is moving across the sky and around the horizon, it actually does so. At noon, the sun is directly overhead. The sun is directly beneath you at midnight. Because the earth's magnetic field changes constantly, the exact direction of its magnetic North pole is always changing. This could mean you can be off-course by quite a bit in one day.
Stars are another method for navigating. Stars rise and set above the horizon. These are fixed points in space that you can use to determine your location relative to other locations.
Statistics
- Without one, your head and neck can radiate up to 40 percent of your body heat. (dec.ny.gov)
- The Dyrt PRO gives 40% campground discounts across the country (thedyrt.com)
- We know you're not always going to be 100% prepared for the situations that befall you, but you can still try and do your best to mitigate the worst circumstances by preparing for a number of contingencies. (hiconsumption.com)
- so you can be 100 percent hands-free, and there's less chance you'll put your torch down and lose it. (nymag.com)
External Links
How To
How to Build Shelters From Natural Materials for Emergencies
Shelter building is one of the most important skills needed during emergency situations. There are two types. One is temporary shelter, the other is permanent shelter. Both shelters will require basic tools such saws, hammers (saws), axes and shovels. However they may differ in what type of material is used. Temporary shelters are made from sticks, leaves, and grasses. Permanent shelters use metal, concrete bricks, stone, and other materials. The circumstances, climate, and availability are all factors that will influence the best choice.
Natural materials, such as bamboo and palm fronds, bark, reeds or vines, can be used in place of artificial ones. These materials have been used for years to build temporary shelters. They are light and simple to make, but not durable. They offer protection against insects and extreme weather. Permanent structures offer better insulation and are stronger. They also last longer. However, they require more effort to build.
Shelters should not only be functional, but also be attractive, safe, affordable, efficient, and sustainable. Bamboo is ideal because of its strength and lightness, but it requires skilled labor and is expensive. They are cheap, but don't withstand high winds. Palm fronds, while strong and durable, are easily torn off and can become fragile. Bark provides good insulation and fire resistance but is difficult to work with. Grasses are cheap but they do not block rainwater. Vines are light and flexible, but they can be damaged if they are not tightly tied. Branch are strong and long-lasting, but they are susceptible to rot. Stone is heavy and expensive, but it's hard and resists water damage. Concrete is durable but difficult to transport and install. Brick is sturdy, but it requires large spaces and is heavy. Wood is durable but requires care and maintenance. Metal is more difficult to work with and can be expensive.
The choice of material depends on many factors, including the location of the construction site, budget, skill level, available tools, local regulations, and climatic conditions. Bamboo is most popular in tropical places where it grows naturally. It can grow quickly, is low-cost, and doesn’t require special tools. However, it is weak when wet and cannot withstand strong wind. Although grass is strong and long-lasting, it can be difficult to erect. Palms are tough and resilient but get dirty quickly. The bark is light and inexpensive, and it's easy to cut. It keeps out dust and moisture but is brittle and easily damaged. Stones can withstand extreme weather conditions and are durable and strong. Concrete is strong and versatile, but requires heavy power tools. Metal is strong, but requires lots of power tools. Wood is relatively affordable and lasts a long time. Steel is more durable, but it's also more expensive.