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What to do when a Hurricane Watch or Warning is issued
Hurricane Juan (September 2003) toppled trees across Halifax, NS. In this west end neighborhood the fallen trees caused power outages, severe damage to hundreds of homes and cars, and most unfortunately - a fatality.
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The key to hurricane protection is preparation. By taking sensible measures before, during, and after a hurricane, many lives can be saved and property damage averted.
First advice is to keep well informed by listening to the latest warnings and advisories on radio, television, or this web site. The Canadian Hurricane Centre will issue and update these when necessary.
Move children, and other young or helpless people and livestock to safe ground. Secure all boats and items left loose on piers or boat house. Leave low-lying beaches or other areas that may be swept by high tides or storm waves. Remember, roads to safer areas may become flooded before the main portion of the storm arrives.
Plan to stay home during the hurricane if the house is out of danger and is well built. Board up windows or protect them with storm shutters. Secure anything that might be blown away or torn loose. Garbage cans, gardening tools, toys, porch furniture and other objects become weapons of destruction when they are picked up by the winds and hurled against objects.
Other advice includes such things as: store drinking water in tubs and jugs; buy food that needs little or no refrigeration or cooking; check flashlights and battery-operated equipment; and make sure that there is enough gasoline in the car.
What to do during a Hurricane...
It is important to remain indoors during a hurricane. It is extremely dangerous to travel or move about when the winds and tides are whipping your area.
Keep track of the storm's progress through the Canadian Hurricane Centre's advisories on the radio, television, or this web site.
Avoid the eye of the hurricane. If the calm storm centre passes directly over your region, there will be a lull in the wind and sudden calm that may last for a few minutes to half an hour or more. Stay in a safe place during this time, and remember the second half of the circular storm will sweep over the region.
Links of Interest
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