Think PPP when you think hurricane safety

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June 3, 2006

By Percy Bland / columnist The Meridian Star Sat Jun 03, 2006, 11:40 PM CDT

Hurricane season is here and an above-average Atlantic hurricane season is predicted for 2006 according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Many people have survived hurricanes without any harm, and with modern technology it almost seems that the path of a hurricane can be mapped out perfectly.

But don’t be so sure. All the technology in the world cannot predict what Mother Nature will do. It’s important to pay attention not to just the black line forecasters use for the storm track but also the area on either side of it. The average error during the last 24 hours is about 85 miles, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

A moment to plan hurricane safety can give you peace of mind and keep your family and home safe. If you want to be hurricane-safe, just follow the three Ps:

Plan

It’s always important for a family to have a plan for emergencies, whether it be a fire, earthquake or hurricane. Every family member must know what to do to stay safe.

When a hurricane threatens, decide if your family will move to a safer place inland, go to a designated shelter or ride out the storm in your home. Make sure you stay in touch with local authorities to know the severity of the hurricane. You should also plan an escape route in case your family needs to evacuate.

Prepare

Your home should have a survival kit prepared for any emergency. It should include non-perishable food items, a first aid kit, a battery-operated radio, a flashlight, fresh batteries and fresh drinking water. Also include other items you might need such as medication, prescription glasses or your insurance information.

To ensure your home is prepared, cover up windows and doors using hurricane shutters. If you don’t have shutters, cover up your windows and doors with 3?4-inch plywood. Make sure your garage door is closed and anchored. Remember that serious hurricane damage can occur when wind and debris get into your house through a broken door or window.

Protect

If you decide to ride out the hurricane, protect yourself. If you don’t need to evacuate the area, stay indoors away from windows or glass doors. Put as many walls between you and the storm as possible. If you don’t have a basement, go to a closet or a bathroom.

If you need to leave the area, make sure you go directly to the shelter. Take your survival kit and lock all doors and windows before you go. Let your relatives or friends know where you plan to be.

According to a recent Mason-Dixon poll of 1,100 people from Texas to Maine 47 percent of them had no hurricane plans. Those who have a hurricane plan do much better than those who don’t. Taking a moment to plan today may help you avoid last-minute panic. It could save your home and your family.

Percy Bland is a State Farm insurance agent in Meridian.

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