Staying Safe in a Hurricane or Windstorm

A hurricane is a very powerful, rotating tropical storm that produces fierce winds, torrential rains and towering waves. Hurricanes develop over large bodies of warm water – including parts of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea – and move generally northward. Although the southern and eastern coastal regions of the U.S. are most vulnerable to the most devastating effects of hurricanes, inland regions can be impacted by the storm’s remnant rains and winds.

Before

·    Understand the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. A hurricane watch means that a hurricane may occur within the next 24 to 36 hours. A hurricane warning means that a hurricane will probably strike your area within the next 24 hours.

·    Prepare a survival kit.

·    Plan your evacuation route in advance of the storm.

·    Close storm shutters and board up all windows.

·    Stock up on drinking water and non-perishable goods.

·    Have a supply of batteries as well as flashlights and a portable radio that are in good working condition.

·    Review with all family members how to shut off utilities in an emergency.

·    Secure all outdoor objects or move them inside.

·    Secure your boat or move it to a safer place.

·    Fuel your car in case you must leave immediately.

During

·    Listen to the radio for important storm information and instructions.

·    If at home, stay inside and away from all windows, skylights and glass doors. Do not go outside, even if the weather appears to have calmed. The "eye" of the storm can pass quickly, leaving you outside when strong winds resume.

·    If you must evacuate, leave as soon as possible and be sure to tell someone outside of the storm area where you will be.

After

·    Stay tuned to the radio or television. If you had to evacuate, return home only after authorities advise it is safe to do so.

·    Avoid downed power lines.

·    Beware of and check for gas leaks or electrical system damage.

·    Make temporary repairs as necessary.

·    Promptly report the loss to Travelers using the toll-free claim reporting number.

Understanding wind damage

·    Wind can tear the roofs from buildings, rip siding from exterior walls and throw debris through windows. In addition, trees toppled by windstorms can crush roofs and walls. Although hurricanes and tornadoes generate exceptionally destructive winds that can destroy buildings, high winds can happen anywhere and strike during many types of storms.

·    One- and two-story wood frame houses are especially vulnerable to wind damage, as are manufactured homes.

·    During a windstorm, wind forces are carried from the roof down to the exterior walls and then down to the foundation. Homes can be damaged when wind forces are not properly transferred to the ground, enabling wind and wind-driven water to penetrate the weakest point of a building's exterior.

·    The roof, doors and windows of your house are potentially vulnerable to wind damage. When houses are exposed to hurricane forces, roofs are most susceptible to damage, followed by walls and openings. You can protect your home by regularly inspecting these areas of potential vulnerability.

·    Roofs can be protected from wind damage by:

o   Ensuring that plywood roof sheathing is properly installed.

o   Bracing roof trusses.

o   Installing hurricane straps.

·    Doors and windows can be strengthened by:

o   Installing reinforcing bolt kits at the top and bottom of doors.

o   Reinforcing garage doors.

o   Installing storm shutters over windows.

The Institute for Business and Home Safety provides detailed instructions on how to inspect and secure your home against strong winds. Please visit: http://www.disastersafety.org