What do I do when a hurricane occurs?

The weather of Arabia - Sinan Khalaf - the strength of the winds varies from one region to another and from one season to another. Some of them are light-speed, which can move light objects or move them from their place, and some of them are very fast, which can uproot trees, destroy electricity and telephone networks, poles, houses and facilities, smash cars and injure people with various injuries, as well. The waves generated by the hurricane lead to the destruction of beach facilities such as sidewalks and the destruction of buildings, swimming pools, bridges, warehouses and ships. Weather forecasts provide guidance on hurricane movements, direction and strength, as well as the speed and threat of storms for an area.

Hurricane Alert:

It means that it threatens the beaches and inland areas, and that the hurricane is a reality and not an imminent occurrence. When this alert is issued, anyone in the area is covered by the alert and must follow any subsequent instructions, and be ready to respond immediately upon hearing the warning of this event.

A hurricane warning is issued about 24 hours before it approaches. This warning also includes estimating the imminent dangers, either due to flooding on beaches or because of the surroundings of storms, and estimating the impact thereof and the recommended emergency actions.

Safety procedures

First: When establishing a residence, make sure that the specifications of the building and the materials used in construction conform to the nature of the winds in the area and that they can resist winds and hurricanes when they occur.

* When your area meets the hurricane warning, the following must be followed:

1- Continue listening to the weather bulletin, the instructions issued by the competent authorities, and the warnings issued about the possibility of the occurrence of whirlwinds that accompany hurricanes, and these whirlwinds are among the worst causes of death.

2- Be adequately prepared before the arrival of the storm to avoid the lack of time that hinders survival from such an incident.

3- Leave the flat areas that are vulnerable to hurricane waves.

4- Tie your boat well before the arrival of storms or movement to a specific and safe area and leave it tied up until the storm subsides.

5- Close the windows well or secure them with a special tape, because the dangers posed by the small windows are always caused by the waste that hits them, and the large windows are broken by the pressure of the storm on them.

6- Keep the things outside the house secured that may be blown by the wind, such as: utensils used for collecting waste, garden equipment and tools, children’s toys, pets, and any other things .. These things must be fixed or stored before the hurricanes approach

7- I work on storing drinking water in clean utensils and in cooking utensils because public drinking water may become spoiled or the public water network may be damaged.

8- Always keep a radio and spare batteries for it, because the radio will be the only means of communication. Also, cooking and lighting facilities will be necessary in the event of a breakdown in public services.

9 - Fill your vehicle with fuel, because service stations may be broken for many days or due to power outages.

10- Stay in your home or in high places because the winds may be strong, especially in the event that evacuation instructions are issued by the competent authorities to another place until the storm has passed.

11- Stay inside the house during the hurricane period, because moving in such circumstances is considered very dangerous when the wind blows, and do not be deceived by the vision because the wind speed may increase at any moment. Stay in a safe place and also do not be deceived by seeing the wind that will activate its speed and change its direction at any time .

Third: Evacuation

If you are advised to vacate your home to move to another temporary location (shelters), there are some things to remember, the most important of which are the following:

1- Follow the instructions and advice issued by the competent authorities.

2- If you are advised to vacate your house, do so immediately, and if you are advised to move to another place, go to that specific place and not to any other place.

3- Turn off the gas and water and disconnect the electricity when evacuating the house.

4- Obtain, by radio or television, the emergency housing and where it is located if you need to.

Fourth: Move with caution

If the competent authorities prepare a means of transportation for you, they will take special safety measures, but if you are walking or driving your vehicle, remember these steps:

1- Leave your place early because the roads may be obstructed by flood waters, fallen trees, or electric wires.

2- Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel.

3- Follow the recommended methods.

4-Listen to the radio for additional information on the go.

When the hurricane ends:

1- Stay in the shelter until you are instructed to leave the place and conditions are safe.

2- Continue listening to the radio to receive more tips and instructions such as (where to go to get the necessary medical care, where to go to get the necessary emergency aid such as finding housing, clothing, food, ways to help yourself to survive the disaster).

3- Move away from the disaster area, because reconnaissance in these circumstances may hinder rescue operations, as well as it could be dangerous for you.

4- Drive your vehicle carefully along debris-filled streets.

5- Avoid dangling electricity wires and report them immediately to the electricity company, civil defense or police.

6- Report damaged water supply lines and sewers.

7- Try to prevent fires as much as possible.

8- Check the frozen food so that it does not spoil, because the power outage causes it to spoil during the storm.

9- Remember that a hurricane blowing inland can cause severe flooding, so stay away from the banks of the valleys.