As Hurricane Helene continues its quick march over land, weakening as it exited a punishment the Big Bend in Florida, there is a need to prepare for some major extreme weather. Helene has indeed degraded from being a Category 4 storm, and it’s still dangerous owing to destructive winds and a storm surge. In any case, whether you are right in the hurricane’s path or are impacted by the outer bands of intense winds and rain, these safety tips can better ensure your and your families’ safety.
Based on the latest information about Hurricane Helene, in this guide, we will outline the very steps that need to be undertaken during hurricanes by considering just one case study and important safety protocols.
1. Understand Hurricane Categories and Forecasts
Hurricanes are classified according to their wind speed. A Category 4 hurricane, like Helene was as it made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend, ranges between 130 and 156 mph. This is extremely dangerous, and at its peak, Helene was blowing at 140 mph.
Always monitor the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center before a hurricane hits. They will keep updating you on the storm movements, severity, and locations expected for landfalls. For instance, Helene’s advisory had warned about life-threatening conditions even while it became a 90 mph storm heading to Georgia.
Important Actions:
- Get weather updates with alerts.
- Download weather apps and set up for real-time notifications (for example, WESH 2 for Florida’s residents).
2. Prepare an Emergency Kit
Prepare an emergency kit. Smoke detectors be installed inside every home, and all household members informed about their use. For you and your family, set ready materials such as water, non-perishable food, medicines, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and important documents in waterproof containers. A consideration of at least 72 hours’ supply should be put into consideration because power outages and other services may take days before they are regained.
Key Supplies:
- Water: 1 gallon amount per person per day for at least 3 days.
- A radio with a battery to listen to weather reports.
- Insurance documents, as well as identification.
3. Evacuation Planning and Shelters
If an evacuation is ordered, don’t wait: mandatory evacuations were ordered for parts of the coast by Florida for Hurricane Helene. Evacuation zones are determined based on the risk of storm surge, so know where you stand before.
Tips for Evacuation:
- Have an evacuation route plan.
- Identify local shelters and make sure they take pets, if applicable.
- Leave early to avoid getting tied up in the traffic jam.
4. Secure Your Home
Before the hurricane hits, you take preparation to secure your home. Flying debris and strong winds are highly destructive. Anticipating Hurricane Helene, Big Bend region homes in Florida were damaged when the wind reached 140 mph. Risk is also reduced by boarding windows and reinforcing doors.
How to Secure Your Home
- Use storm shutters or plywood to cover windows.
- Lock outdoor furniture and other objects in your patio.
- Reinforce garage doors that may be susceptible to strong winds.
5. Stay Informed: Hurricane Watches and Warnings
Understanding the distinction between a hurricane watch and a warning is vital. On Hurricane Helene, for instance, Tampa Bay and Mexico Beach were said to be under different levels of warning. From other sources, it shows that the watch of the hurricane indicates possible conditions within 48 hours, while a warning means it is expected within 36 hours.
What to Do:
- Review your emergency plans for a watch.
- In case of a warning, all preparations should be completed and evacuation orders must be followed once these are given.
6. Be Ready for Power Outages
A hurricane brings high winds that commonly take down trees and power lines, which causes wide-scale power outage. For instance, thousands of Florida residents experienced a power outage in the case of Hurricane Helene. Then comes the need for lighting, cooking, and communication during the period of an outage.
Preparedness for Power Outage
- Stock up on batteries for flashlights and radios.
- Have a portable phone charger or backup power source.
- Pack your perishable foods in coolers and add some ice in case of a refrigerator failure.
7. Dealing with Flooding and Storm Surge
Hurricane storm surges would cause horrific flooding, just as Helene caused in Florida’s coast. Storm surge is a rise of seawater higher than the normal tide for sure, which may flood the coastal areas within minutes.
Safety Tips During Flooding:
- Move to higher ground when a storm surge warning is issued.
- Never walk or drive through a flood. Two feet of water will float a car. Six inches of moving water can knock you down.
- Raise the electrical appliances used within the house to avoid destruction.
8. What to Do During the Hurricane
Once the hurricane actually arrives, it will be safest to retreat indoors-out of windows and doors. Even if the eye of the storm causes a brief lull in the winds, remember that these can resume within minutes.
Stay Safe Indoors:
- Spend the night in a dingy, windowless room such as a bathroom or closet.
- Then, avoid using electrical appliances until the storm has passed over.
- Keep your emergency kit ready.
9. After the Hurricane: Safety First
Hazards even persist after a hurricane has blown through: downed power lines and water rescues on roads that are under water due to flooding; additional structural damage to buildings. Even after Hurricane Helene, many Florida counties continued to stand at a heightened level of alert for potential hazards.
Post-Storm Safety:
- Do not drive over flooded roads.
- Steer clear of fallen power lines, and immediately notify local authorities.
- Inspect your home for damage before attempting to re-enter.
10. Stay Updated: Continuous Coverage and Alerts
Throughout Hurricane Helene, people in Florida were always in the know because local news channels like WESH 2 kept their feet on the streets in continuously updating its broadcast. Always, update yourself from good meteorologists and state agencies.
Useful Resources:
- Sign up for weather alerts.
- Follow the live reports for updates on how bad the road conditions are, efforts in recovery, and future weather patterns.
- Download applications like the WESH 2 News app, which allows viewers to receive real-time updates and severe weather alerts.
FAQs
What is the difference between a hurricane watch and a warning?
A hurricane watch means conditions are possible within 48 hours, while a warning means they are expected within 36 hours.
How do I prepare my home for a hurricane?
Secure windows with shutters or plywood, remove outdoor furniture, and reinforce doors.
What should be in an emergency kit for hurricanes?
Water, non-perishable food, batteries, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, and important documents in waterproof containers.
What is a storm surge?
A storm surge is an abnormal rise of seawater, often leading to severe coastal flooding during a hurricane.
When should I evacuate during a hurricane?
Evacuate as soon as authorities issue mandatory orders or if you’re in an evacuation zone prone to storm surges.
What should I do if I’m caught in floodwaters?
Move to higher ground immediately. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.
How can I stay updated on hurricane information?
Follow updates from the National Hurricane Center and local news outlets. Sign up for weather alerts.
Can hurricanes cause tornadoes?
Yes, hurricanes can spawn tornadoes, as seen during Hurricane Helene in parts of Central Florida.
How long should my emergency supplies last?
It’s recommended to have enough supplies for at least 72 hours.
What do I do after the hurricane passes?
Avoid floodwaters, check for structural damage, and stay informed of any continued hazards.
By following these safety precautions, you will be able to save yourself and your family from such storms as hurricanes, Helene. Stay abreast of all the reports, prepare yourself, and be on the lookout for announcements from the local authorities to make sure you won’t be subjected to such incidents this stormy season.