You may be laughing to yourself thinking Missouri will never be hit by a hurricane and we hope you are right. However, you should keep reading because some of the information in this article could be used to prepare for a tornado or better yet maybe you have a friend or loved in the path of a hurricane that you can share this article with. So again, keep reading!

Every year hurricane season starts on June 1st and lasts 5 months, with storms typically peaking in August and September. Regardless of the hurricane predictions, knowing these tips on how to prepare could save your life.

Hurricane Knowledge

Understanding common terms and facts used during hurricane forecasts is a great place to start. Storm conditions can vary on the size, approach the storm is taking and intensity. Therefore it is important you know what the weather forecaster and news reporters are reporting.

According to NASA, a Tropical Depression storm are cyclones with winds of 38 mph. Tropical Storms vary in wind speeds from 39-73 mph while Hurricanes have winds 74 mph and greater. Typically the upper right quadrant of the storm (the center wrapping around the eye) is the most intense portion of the storm. The greatest threats are damaging winds, storm surge and flooding.

Here are some important things you may hear from a government official, forecaster, or reporter:

  • Tropical Storm Watch: Possible Tropical storm conditions in the area.
  • Hurricane Watch: Possible Hurricane conditions in the area. Typically alerted 48 hours before anticipated wind gusts.
  • Tropical Storm Warning: Expected Tropical storm conditions in the area.
  • Hurricane Warning: Expected Hurricane conditions in the area. Typically warned 36 hours before anticipated storm force winds.
  • Eye of the Storm: Usually it’s pretty well defined at the center of the storm and has calmer conditions than what is happening around it.
  • Eye Wall of the Storm: Surrounds the eye, this is where some of the most severe weather is happening with high-speed winds and rain.
  • Rain Bands: Produce severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind, and tornadoes as the bands come off the storm
  • Storm Surge: Ocean water swelling as a result of a storm making landfall, and quickly flooding coastal and sometimes areas further inland.

When a watch is issued it gives you plenty of time to develop your plan, prepare your home, and make an evacuation plan. During a warning, carefully follow the directions of officials, and immediately leave the area if they recommend you should. Don’t try to be one of the people who think it won’t be that bad or you will be fine. GET OUT OF THE AREA! IF there is and Extreme wind warning or advisory seek shelter immediately in a well-built structure. Typically the basement of your home if you have on.

Hurricane Forecasts

Forecasting a storm’s path can be very difficult; there are a lot of different variants that come into play. The storm’s path and size can can ultimately determine what continues, changes or stops it growth or decline. Weatherman gave computer systems and data to give them the most accurate information possible. We recommend downloading the weather.com app (click here) or going to their hurricane information center on their website  (click here).

Hurricane Names

Hurricane names are chosen randomly, then rotated and recycled every 6 years. If a hurricane were to become disastrous its name would become retired and never used again.

Hurricane Kits

It is important to create a kit of supplies or buy one from a place like Amazon (click here) that you could take with you if you are forced to evacuate your home. These types of kits will help you survive should you get stranded in your home or elsewhere after the storm. Honestly, you shouldn’t wait until the storm to prepare or purchase these kits. It could be a lifesaver! If you create your kit you should use something like a backpack or something easy to carry and take with you. We recommend the following items:

  • Non-perishable food such as things that can be eaten out of a can (enough to last at least 3 days)
  • Water (enough to last at least 3 days)
  • First-aid kit (include any prescription medication you may need)
  • Personal hygiene items and sanitation items
  • Flashlights (have extra batteries on hand)
  • Battery operated radio (again, have extra batteries)
  • Battery Pack to charge things like your phone
  • Waterproof container with cash and important documents
  • Manual can opener
  • Lighter or matches
  • Compass
  • Battery operated watch
  • Books, magazines, games for recreation
  • Special needs items: pet supplies and baby supplies if applicable
  • Cooler and ice packs
  • A plan for evacuation and for if family members are separated
  • Make your refrigerator and freezer as cold as possible to preserve everything as long as you can in the event of a power outage.

Securing Your Home

Secure your home in the event of damaging winds, storm surge, and flooding.

  • Cover all of your windows, either with hurricane shutters or plywood.
  • Tape your windows to prevent glass from shattering everywhere if broken.
  • Make sure all trees and shrubs are trimmed
  • Clear rain gutters.
  • Reinforce your garage doors.
  • All of your outdoor furniture needs to be brought including your free-standing basketball hoop.

Power Outages

In the event a storm should leave you without power, there are a few things to consider and help you be ready and stay safe outside of your normal hurricane preparedness.

Download this FEMA Checklist to take with you.

FEMA: PREPARE FOR HURRICANE CHECKLIST

Family Plan

Should a hurricane be approaching it’s just as important to have a plan for your family. Here are the crucial components of a family hurricane plan:

  • Think of a few safe places to meet if you’re unable to stay in your home.
  • Designate a safe room in the house for everyone to meet.
  • Make sure everyone knows the evacuation route.
  • Store emergency numbers in your phone and make sure you have a battery pack.

Call PureOne Services in Missouri

Should you or a loved one get hit by a hurricane called on PureOne Services to help you get back to normal with our disaster relief services we call Restoration after Devastation. The next time you are searching for water damage restoration near me or water removal near me click on PureOne Services to get your home back to normal. PureOne Services is a high-class and efficient disaster restoration company and water damage restoration company. Our experts work hard to guarantee the highest levels of quality cleaning and restoration and we apply the proper solutions so you can be sure your family is clean and safe. We are available 24/7.