Living like a local: Storm smarts
Preparation is key when storms batter the Southeastern coast. (iStock.com/Darwin Brandis)
Hurricanes are an inescapable feature of living in the coastal South. Our coastline, dotted with dynamic barrier islands, is itself a product of the strong winds and storm surge these systems bring. Hurricanes can be scary and they can be fun. Whatever the category of the storm, it will be better with preparation.
Many criteria affect the degree of preparedness needed, ranging from the size of storm, the speed of storm and often the age of the person. Preparing for a hurricane in your twenties requires beer, Pop Tarts and ice. The ice is to keep the beer cold and treat any potential dehydration. For those of us who have left our twenties in the rearview mirror, preparing is different. For example, we often obsess about weather and know 47 days ahead of time that there may be an atmospheric low pressure system forming in the tropics. We know this could form into a tropical depression, which could strengthen into a tropical storm and ultimately become a hurricane.
That said, don’t wait until you see the systems forming to tackle the task at hand. The smartest people call their insurance agents in June to ensure they have all their policies intact. I recommend confirming your wind and hail coverage amounts and deductibles. You want to confirm a number for when you have a claim. I would also speak to your agent to see if flood insurance is a wise idea for your property. Doing this before hurricane season is in full force will give you greater peace of mind.
Once your insurance is in order, I would make an evacuation plan for your family should a storm require this action. If there is a mandatory evacuation, then the choice should be a no-brainer. For me, I will leave if it’s Category 3 or above.
Living in a place prone to hurricanes, there are some things to keep in mind relating to your property. If you have dead or dying trees, those need to be taken care of before a storm is coming. Falling trees are a very real and common danger during a hurricane. Additionally, you may want a generator – but if you wait until the storm is on track for our coastal city, they will be sold out. Get your generator well before a storm is coming and be sure to get fuel for it at least a few days ahead of the storm. While you’re there, fill your car’s gas tank. If you have to leave suddenly, there is no time to stop, and sometimes, the stations are closed or out of gas.
These days, meteorologists have amazing technology to track and predict storms. Mother Nature, however, does not always care about these storm tracks. Still, you should try to stay up to date. The National Hurricane Center has real-time data as will the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. I also recommend a local news app on your phone; this way, you get alerts and warnings customized to our location. I use WECT.
If a storm is likely to strike, there are some essentials you need, like batteries, flashlights and a radio. It will be necessary to have bottled water and non-perishable food. It is also prudent to fill your bathtub with water in the event you need to refill your toilet tank and do not have running water.
Unfortunately, tornados come with hurricanes. The professionals recommend having a tornado shelter in your home, and I take this seriously. This shelter should be an interior room or closet. I keep a flashlight, water and granola bars in ours. It can be beneficial to have some books, playing cards or something to entertain you and your family in case you are there for a while. If there is even the remotest chance of a tornado, every electronic communication device in your home will emit a long, loud warning. That’s your cue to make your way to the tornado shelter!
Once you’ve handled these preparations, there’s one last important thing to remember: The beer and wine aren’t just for the twenty-somethings. Why should they get all the fun? After all that work preparing for the storm, you’ve earned it!
