Holding down the fort during a hurricane

  • Published
  • By Harry Lundy
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB, N.C. --  The primary concern in the event of any natural disaster is safety. Preparations should be made prior to, during and after the storm. Planning ahead may help reduce some dangers. 
      
Safety before the storm involves preparing your residence and your yard ahead of time. Since individual homes are the primary shelter for most people, they should be well secured. 
      
One of the first actions people take is using plywood to cover up windows. To be effective, it must be at least five-eighths inches thick. For people who do not own their home, they may talk to their landlord. 
      
For on-base residents, the story is quite different. Glenn Cole of 4th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness flight said the use of plywood is prohibited. 
      
"The windows we use in this area are able to withstand high winds," Mr. Cole said. 

"Besides, plywood can't stop a tree." 

He also said that using plywood could end up damaging the window frames. 

An alternative to using plywood is installing storm shutters. They provide the same protection as plywood. In addition, they are more aesthetically pleasing and may reduce homeowner's insurance premiums. 

Haywood Smith from the base housing office said occupants are responsible for making sure their homes are ready for a hurricane. This includes items around the house. "You've got to batten down the hatches," Mr. Smith said. High winds can turn unsecured items into projectiles. If possible, bring as many items inside as you can. Place cars inside a garage and reinforce the door to withstand high winds. 

Hurricane tie-down straps can be used to secure mobile/manufactured homes. However most of these structures are not built to endure hurricane winds. If your residence falls into this category, it would be best to move to a safer structure or a shelter as soon as possible. 

Vegetation should be attended to as well. Trees should be trimmed. Remove branches that hang over the house and dead ones as well. Limbs can damage windows and roofs, as well as bring down power lines. 

During the storm, the most important thing to do is stay inside. Find a room close to the center of the house that does not have windows. Remain in the room until local officials have announced it is safe to leave. 

If the eye of the storm passes overhead, people are tempted to venture outside. This is not a good idea. The calm can be very misleading. Winds can return very quickly from the opposite direction. It must be an emergency to leave the house as the eye passes. 
     
In the past, it was recommended not to use telephones except for emergencies. Today it is a good idea to have a cell phone charged and close. Again, it should only be used in case of emergencies, especially to conserve the battery life. 
      
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, having a radio is the best means of receiving information during the storm. Ensure replacement batteries are on hand as well. Radio stations use the Emergency Alert System to provide the latest alerts and are a good source of information of when it is safe to exit the home. 
      
After the storm, there are even more dangers to face. One of the greatest hazards is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas and can make people very sick or even cause death. When power is out, people use power generators, cooking grills and possibly kerosene heaters. Each of these devices releases carbon monoxide gas. It can accumulate quickly in enclosed areas, so be sure to use these items outdoors and in well ventilated areas 
     
Stay away from downed power lines. Electricity may not have been cut off and wires can pose a hazard. Notify the proper authorities of the problem. 
     
Water and food safety are important. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recommends using bottled water for drinking and cooking after a hurricane. If tap water is all that is available, it must be boiled for five minutes prior to use. 
     
If one cannot boil water, add eight drops of liquid chlorine (without soap or scent) to one gallon of water. Mix thoroughly and let stand for 30 minutes before consumption. 
      
Any food, even canned, that comes into contact with floodwater should be thrown away. 

In addition, food in the refrigerator should be disposed of if power has been off for more than four hours. If frozen food has thawed it should be discarded as well. 
      
Finally, try to avoid contact with insects and animals. Some of these creatures may have lost their homes and can be dangerous. Be cautious when moving items where animals could be hiding. 
      
Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Use insect repellant and wear long sleeves, pants, socks and shoes if possible. Empty water from any container where rain collected to help reduce the amount of mosquitoes. 
      
The goal of safety is to lessen the possibility of illness and injury. Thinking ahead is the key to success. The most valuable item to protect in the event of disaster is you.