While seasoned Floridians are used to hurricanes ripping through the state, newcomers to the area are often shocked by the damage these storms inflict. Hurricane Ian has left no shortage of destruction in its wake as it has passed through Florida before heading towards the Carolinas.
Assessing the Damage
Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction throughout Florida leaving nearly 50 people dead with over a million without electricity. The longer people go without power, the more difficult it will be for them to stay in their homes if their home is in a fit condition to stay in.
Many have fled to the homes of friends and family to find refuge from the ravages of the storm. The Category 4 hurricane tore through the state with 155 mph winds, causing a great deal of damage to the Fort Myers area including other communities throughout Lee County and beyond.
Sanibel Island has been cut off from the mainland as the causeway has been all but demolished by the storm. Many of the island’s residents had to be rescued by the Coast Guard and local law enforcement.
According to, Forbes, Hurricane Ian is one of the deadliest storms in Florida’s recent history. However, it is not the deadliest storm in the state’s history as previous storms have been far worse. Unfortunately, the fact that the storm could have been worse is little solace for the countless families that are currently struggling to repair their homes or find a new home to go to after being displaced by the storm.
Hurricanes represent a serious threat to people living in the area which is why hurricane awareness is so important. The more aware people are of hurricanes and how to prepare for them, the better off they will be when these storms make landfall.
Hurricane Survival 101
When a hurricane warning is issued in Florida, it’s time to take action. Hurricanes are among the most powerful natural disasters someone can face. It is important to have an action plan ready when you hear a hurricane warning has been issued in your area.
In case you live in Florida and you know that a hurricane is going to hit your area soon after a warning has been issued, there are several things you should do. Staying safe during hurricanes requires preparation and vigilance about oncoming storms. The following tips will help you stay safe in the devastating aftermath of a hurricane.
Keep Your Phone Fully Charged
During hurricanes, power outages are common and can last for several days. This can leave you without access to most communication methods, including the Internet, landlines, and cellular service.
You should keep your phone charged so that you can stay in touch with your loved ones and emergency personnel in case of a power outage. If you have a smartphone, you can use it to access information and stay informed during hurricanes.
Turn Off the Gas
When you suspect a hurricane is heading your way and you have gas appliances, you should turn off the gas at the source. This is a precautionary measure for safety because hurricanes are powerful enough to disrupt normal gas flows.
If the hurricane is at a high intensity and is expected to remain for more than 24 hours, you may have to leave your home.
Secure Any Valuable Items in Your Home
Hurricanes can cause damage to your home, like broken or cracked windows, or a damaged roof. The best thing you can do is to secure any valuable items in your home, especially if you don’t have hurricane shutters.
It’s best to keep valuables in your home nearby in case the hurricane destroys the part of the house where those items are normally kept in. Photo albums and jewelry should be kept nearby so you won’t have to search the surrounding area to look for them after the storm.
Have a Disaster Kit Ready
A disaster kit is a must-have when hurricanes are in season. This bag contains items that can help you survive without electricity, water, and food for several days. You can customize your disaster kit depending on how many people are living in the home.
Some recommendations for your kit include non-perishable food and water, a battery-powered radio, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and extra batteries. It’s essential to make sure you have enough food and water for everyone in your home. Also, include any special medical supplies or medications that members of your household might need.
Check on Your Friends and Family
If you know someone who lives in an area that is likely to be impacted by a hurricane, you should check on them before the hurricane arrives to make sure they are prepared. This can be especially important if they are elderly or have young children.
You can also offer to let them stay at your place, so they can avoid being in a crowded shelter. If you are asked by someone to check on them, make sure to go and stay until the weather has passed. If you need to go home, ask someone else to continue checking on them.
Finally, When the Hurricane Hits, Hunker Down and Wait it Out
Finally, when the hurricane hits, you should stay in your home. Avoid leaving your house, unless an evacuation order has been issued. If an evacuation order is issued, you should follow the instructions of emergency personnel and leave your home to go to a shelter or at least away from the storm’s path. If you are in your home when the hurricane hits, you should stay indoors.
Close all the windows and blinds, and make sure to shut the doors to your home. Stay away from any windows, and keep away from any trees or power lines that could be brought down by the high winds.
By following all of these tips, you can help yourself and your family stay safe during future hurricanes. When living in Florida, hurricanes are a fact of life. Although they don’t happen all the time, they happen often enough to warrant a certain level of preparedness.
