Did you know that North Carolina is the fourth state most affected by hurricanes? If you’re new to the area (i.e., North Carolina, or the South in general), let this be a bit of a preparedness primer for your family and neighbors as we head into storm season.
Stay Informed
Hurricanes (or typhoons, when occurring in the Pacific) fall into five categories along the National Hurricane Center’s Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Don’t let the low category number of a hurricane lull you into thinking you’re safer than in a larger hurricane. A Category 1 hurricane can sit over an area and churn for days bringing flooding and wind. All storms possess possible danger and preparation should be taken seriously before the storm hits.
Category 1: 74 to 95 mph wind (64 to 82 knots)
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage. Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roofs, shingles, vinyl siding, and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles will likely result in power outages that could last several days.
Category 2: 96 to 110 mph wind (83 to 95 knots)Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage. Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
Category 3 (major hurricane): 111 to 129 mph wind (96 to 112 knots)
Devastating damage will occur. Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
Category 4 (catastrophic hurricane): 130 to 156 mph wind (113 to 136 knots)
Catastrophic damage will occur. Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with the loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Category 5 (catastrophic hurricane): 157 mph or higher wind (137 knots or higher)
Catastrophic damage will occur. A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
It’s important to keep in mind that hurricanes have the potential to generate severe thunderstorms, which can spawn tornadoes, so here’s a quick word on some of the differences between these types of storms and the watches and warnings that are issued by the National Weather Service.
According to the Royal Meteorological Society, where I found the most succinct answer, a hurricane is a storm system rotating around an area of low pressure, which produces strong winds and heavy rain. Technically, the system is called a tropical storm if wind speeds are between 34 and 63 knots, and it is only classified as a hurricane if the wind speed exceeds 63 knots. A hurricane is, on average, 500 miles wide and 10 miles high and moves forward like an enormous spinning top at a typical speed of 17 knots.
The definition of a tornado comes from the National Weather Service: A violently rotating column of air touching the ground, usually attached to the base of a thunderstorm.
The difference between a weather watch and a weather warning is the action that you should take. According to the National Weather Service, a watch means you should be prepared to act because severe weather is possible. A warning means you should take action. You should take shelter because severe weather is happening or about to take place.
The best way to stay ahead of trouble is to stay informed. Sign up for ReadyWake and National Weather Service alerts that send texts, calls, emails, app notifications, etc. Download the Town of Apex Outage app to track/report power outages.
Stock Up
Now for some practical guidelines to help you begin preparing for the storm.
The National Weather Service has established the first week in May as Hurricane Preparedness Week for North Carolina. While the official hurricane season runs from June through November, you do not want to be the last one at the grocery store when the rain starts. So, May is the perfect time to bulk up your pantry. The easiest way to do this is gradually.
Most grocery stores only have a three-day supply of food, so every time you go grocery shopping pick up extra pantry items, such as soup, rice, beans, pasta, pasta sauce, dry cereals, nut butters, crackers, energy bars, trail mix – even popping corn, which you can make on a gas stovetop or grill if the electricity is out.
When the storm is a couple of days away, get some fresh produce from the store or your favorite local farm stand or farmers market. Bananas, berries, apples, oranges, and other assorted fruits and vegetables. Pick up things you know your family will eat. Stocking up gradually is the best way to avoid the last-minute rush when a storm hits.
Make sure you have plenty of drinking water. A good suggestion is one gallon of water per day, per person.
What about all that food in your freezer and refrigerator? Food in your refrigerator will last about four hours. This pertains mostly to perishables like meat, fish, poultry, eggs, etc. In a full freezer, food will last up to 48 hours; in a freezer that’s half full, food will last about 24 hours.
Take inventory of any medicines you might need and see if your doctor or pharmacist can get you a little extra to make it through the storm.
Check your first aid kit to make sure it’s complete or get one if you don’t have one.
And if recent events have taught us anything, stock up on toilet paper, sooner rather than later.
Other practical items to think about are:
Flashlights and batteries
A manual can opener
Surge protectors for all your electronics
Strike-anywhere matches
Rain gear
Disposable eating utensils and garbage bags
Plastic sheeting and duct tape
Cash – always a good idea
Keep cell phones charged – and have backup chargers.
If you have a grill, make sure you have a full tank of propane or enough charcoal and lighter fluid on hand.
It’s also a good idea to keep your car’s gas tank at least half full, or more, during hurricane season, and if you have the space in your garage, maybe an extra filled gas can.
If you have to evacuate, have a plan in place before the storm hits, a place where far-flung family can meet outside of the storm’s path.
If you have a baby or very young children, here are some recommendations from Parenting magazine for items to have on hand:
Extra diapers, wipes, ointment, and medications
Formula – even if breastfeeding – or baby food
Identification: an ID card with your baby’s name, birth date, the last 4 digits of a SS#, and a recent picture with distinguishing features and birthmarks noted, along with information about medical conditions, allergies, and medications.
A portable playpen and toys
Teething ring
A favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or other comfort item
A battery-powered nightlight
Throughout the storm, project a sense of calm to your baby and children of all ages. Don’t let your anxiety become their anxiety.
Remember our senior citizens! They are often our most vulnerable neighbors and loved ones because many live alone and many have mobility issues. Here are five ways to help our older friends, neighbors, and family members:
Help seniors develop a contact list, both a physical list and one in their phone. Make sure you have those numbers in your phone as well.
Gather their medical information. One great idea is for seniors to post a list of medications firmly on their refrigerator, for first responders.
Make a plan to secure their home. Trim trees of branches that could easily come down, and clean up the yard of patio furniture, flowerpots, bird feeders, or anything that can be blown around in high wind.
Build an evacuation kit. If they need to go to a shelter, help them put together a go-kit to last them a few days. Pack items like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and extra batteries. Include some cash and all essential medicines, medical devices, ID, and their healthcare contact list.
Help them plan a safe refuge at home. If the recommendation is to shelter in place, make sure they have a small room on a lower floor with no windows, keeping away from windows and glass doors.
And don’t forget about your pets! Animals, especially dogs, are very sensitive to barometric pressure changes and some may even be able to smell a storm before we know one’s coming. Like us, pets need an emergency plan so make sure you stock on the following:
Enough food and fresh water for at least three days
Food and water bowls
A first-aid kit
Pee pads, paper towels, and garbage bags for clean-up
Veterinary medical records
Contact information for your regular veterinarian and the nearest emergency vet clinic
Treats and toys to keep your dog busy
Leash and collar with ID tags
A list of pet-friendly shelters and accommodations in case you need to evacuate.
Hurricanes can travel 100 to 200 miles inland getting weaker with every mile. At about 130 miles inland, we’re pretty lucky to live in Apex but we may still get some flooding and wind damage, although usually not with the same severity you see on the coast. Even so, now is a good time to review your insurance coverage and maybe fix any little issues—like minor roof problems or basement or crawl space problems—before a storm comes along and turns them into big, and expensive, problems.
Practice Wind Safety
Clean your yard. Not because your HOA or neighbors said so, but because flying lawn furniture, yard ornaments, flowerpots, dog houses, garbage cans, tools, or anything loose lying around can become airborne even during a Category 1 hurricane and damage your house, a neighbor’s house, or cars. No one wants broken windows during a hurricane, and you don’t want to pay for damages to someone else’s house from your flying debris. So, please, clean up your yard and stow your garbage cans in your garage or tether them securely.
Practice Flood Safety
Do not drive through flood waters. And do not play or swim in flood waters due to down power lines and or fast-moving debris.
The Basics
Do not loot. Do not take advantage of people who have possibly lost everything. Do not price-gouge. These used to be common sense. All are things you wouldn’t like done to you, so don’t do them to others. Instead, if you need help – ask. If you can give help – offer.
Once the storm has passed, then what?
Well, after everything is all cleaned up and it’s determined that everyone is okay, have a party! Let me explain…
In 2008, I was living in the Houston, Texas, area when Hurricane Ike hit hard and our town was without power for five days, longer in some areas. Some of us in our neighborhood had generators and we ran power cords up and down the street, but a generator is not always an option for everybody.
After the rain stopped, the whole neighborhood was outside, playing, socializing, helping, and eating. One neighbor had brisket in her freezer so they barbequed it and invited everyone over to share. And that’s how it went, freezers and ‘fridges were emptied into our neighbors’ and friends’ happy stomachs!
Isn’t that how it should be? Everyone coming together and helping each other? When the power came back on, we all went back inside to our computers, phones, and TVs. But for a few days, we were our best selves.
