1 Plan ahead
2Take precautions
3Get to safety
234
NATURAL DISASTERS
Hurricane
For FLOOD see p. 228 For TORNADO see p. 236 Hurricanes are extremely violent storms that produce torrential rain and strong winds of up to 190 mph( 305 km / h). Tornadoes may occur simultaneously or in the hurricane’ s wake. Flooding may also follow. Many hurricanes can be predicted, enabling people to protect their homes and evacuate their families in good time. If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, make sure that you know the difference between a“ hurricane watch”( a hurricane is possible within 36 hours) and a“ hurricane warning”( a hurricane is likely within 24 hours).
PREPARING FOR A HURRICANE
1 Plan ahead
• Install hurricane shutters or buy sheets of plywood and strips of wood for boarding windows( see box below). Nail the frames in position and prepare the plywood sheets for installation when necessary.
• Know the location of the nearest hurricane shelter.
2Take precautions
• Keep alert for a“ hurricane watch” and listen to local radio stations for updates on the situation.
• If a“ hurricane watch” turns into a“ hurricane warning,” make final adjustments to your home.
• Choose a safe part of the house where family members can gather, ideally in a room in the center of the house( such as a hallway) that does not have windows.
• Close the hurricane shutters or fix boards in place( see box right).
• Secure external and garage doors.
• Fill clean baths, sinks, containers, and plastic bottles with water to ensure an uncontaminated supply.
3Get to safety
• If you live in a mobile home, leave immediately and head toward a hurricane shelter or open ground.
• If you live in a house and you are advised to evacuate, follow all the instructions carefully.
• Avoid coastal and riverside roads on your way to a hurricane shelter: these routes may be flooded.
BOARDING WINDOWS
Screw board in place Align screw holes
Attach cover Cut sheets of 1 ⁄ 2-in( 1-cm) plywood to fit window frame. Predrill holes to align with the frame. Screw cover in place.
Predrill screw holes
Secure frame in place
Make outer frame Cut strips of wood to fit around the outside of the window frame. Predrill with holes 6 in( 15 cm) apart. Nail the strips in place to form a frame.