i live in a tropical area of the country.i was born and raised in Galveston,Texas.i have also been through all of the hurricanes(starting with hurricane carla);except 2.
i have designed this program for people exposed to emergency situations.
firstly,is the cleanup.vacuum the entire house.leaving dust or dirt may result in temporary blindess in case of windows shattering.when the winds blow dust and dirt in the air,it may be difficult to see;especially if dirt and dust enter into the eyes.emergency movements may;then,be impeded.
secondly,shut off the main electrical breaker before the storm hits full stength.this procedure will minimalize fires and possible electrocution caused by water entering into outlets,ceilings collapsing with live wire lighting,lamps breaking or shattering and causing electrical arcs;and,other hazardous situations.
thirdly,store all items that are small or breakable in cabinets or closets.this will help prevent them from flying around or shattering.glass on the floor is hazardous to emergency movements.it may cause severe cuts in the body by stepping on pieces;or,tripping and falling onto pieces.
fourthly,move furniture by the walls.this will prevent tripping over them while moving in the home.it also functions as a shield against strong winds.
stay in the rear of the home;opposite to the wind impact areas.
NOTE:i have noticed that the safest area is outside;but,due to advanced procedures having to be followed,it is not considered safe for most people.if the house collapses while being occupied,follow these rules:
*do not stand between objects and the winds.keep a large open area between you and the wind.if buildings or debris is present in front of you,pieces may fly towards you at high speed;and cause injury or death.always watch for objects flying in the air.the smallest are usually the most dangerous because they are more difficult to see at longer distances;and,they will penetrate the body more easily.usually,they are seen at the last moment.
attempt to locate a very stable hiding place that provides easy escape.
i have walked in eyes of hurricanes that were in access of 100 mile per hour winds.i have also watched tornadoes that were 3 blocks away from me while i held onto a solid object outside.these techniques are
utilized for absolute emergency procedures only.if possible,evacuate a day or two before the storm.
another issue is flooding.water may reach as high as 40 feet.with the powerfull currents,drowning is very potential under these circumstances.being crushed into objects at high speed by a powerfull current may cause severe injury or death.the best procedure is attempt to body surf to a high,stable object;then attempt to climb the object.
if you live in an area that has high tornado or hurricane potential;purchasing a 1 to 10 person hovercraft may help save your life.count the members of your household and determine the size you need.be sure to prevent water from entering the engine carburetors and fuel system.enclosing them usually helps.while piloting the hovercraft,avoid obscure or high debris areas;and watch for flying objects continuously.one single unseen object;whether while piloting a hovercraft or walking may be fatal.
do not use rafts unless absolutely necessary.they may be punctured by debris.a hovercraft flies above obstacles;but,is sometimes easily pushed uncontrollably by winds.use narrow angles while piloting the craft;to prevent that from happening.
COLOSSUS 