If you live in the Southeastern United States, during the months of June through November, you can expect to hear a number of reports of “activity” developing in the tropics. Hurricane season is yearly, so those newscasts are expected. Being from the South, you begin to even find interest in learning the storm names chosen each year. Suddenly, a major hurricane develops in the Caribbean and appears to be heading for a US impact. Residents of the area begin to pay attention a few days out from the anticipated landfall date. Those watching from afar begin with their comments: It’s hurricane season. Why don’t they just leave?
What is a hurricane?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a hurricane is categorized “as a tropical cyclone with winds of 74 miles (119 kilometers) per hour or greater that is usually accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning, and that sometimes moves into temperate latitudes.” Before becoming a hurricane, the storm is a tropical storm, which has maximum sustained winds of 39mph to 73mph. And even before becoming a tropical storm, it is a tropical depression.
If you followed any of the recent coverage of Hurricane Ida, you probably heard meteorologists repeating that the areas to the East, or right, of the storm were in the most imminent danger. Hurricane winds rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, and that’s where the speed and strength of the winds are. Therefore, it is the most dangerous side of the storm.
What do the categories really mean?
A hurricane’s strength is grouped into five categories. The rating is based on the hurricane’s maximum sustained winds, with the higher categories showing the greatest potential for property damage. The National Hurricane Center explains:
Category Sustained Winds Types of Potential Wind Damage
| 1 | 74-95 mph 64-82 kt 119-153 km/h | Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days. |
| 2 | 96-110 mph 83-95 kt 154-177 km/h | Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks. |
| 3 (major hurricane) | 111-129 mph 96-112 kt 178-208 km/h | Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes. |
| 4 (major hurricane) | 130-156 mph 113-136 kt 209-251 km/h | Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. |
| 5 (major hurricane) | 157 mph or higher 137 kt or higher 252 km/h or higher | Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. |
Have you ever experienced a hurricane first-hand?
When a hurricane makes landfall, you really do not know how much damage it will cause. Even a category 1 hurricane can do major damage– after all, it is still a hurricane. The sound of the winds gusting remind you of a freight train that happens to be in your living room. You hear the debris banging and crashing about outside. The rain alone can be catastrophic, causing extreme flooding. And let’s not even mention the possible tornadoes that can happen simultaneously.
In short, hurricanes are not fun. They are loud, destructive, and deadly. But if one had to choose a region to live based off of its typical natural disaster, I would stick with hurricanes. Unlike earthquakes or tsunamis, you may not have a lot of time, but you do have some warning that a hurricane is out there and that it is coming.
The choices are to stay home and shelter in place, or plan to leave and find somewhere to go. Both options cost money, but evacuations cost more. Think of planning for a vacation. Most people have to save money for trips months in advance, at the least. Alerts that a hurricane is headed in your direction is sent out maybe 3 days before it is expected to make landfall. How many people are able to just drop everything and spend “vacation” money each time a hurricane is announced?
It’s hurricane season. You can’t leave for every named-storm.
Each year, multiple hurricanes form. There are several forecasts featuring various hurricane tracking models and their hypotheses. The reality is, no one knows exactly what direction a hurricane will travel. As a result, people cannot evacuate for every named storm. Aside from being unable to afford to leave, some may be too ill. (And let’s not forget the rapidly spreading and mutating Coronavirus adding to that stress). Naturally, some people have to work during hurricanes, while some will want to stay to protect their homes and businesses from looters, or maybe even address certain problems that arise during the storm.
For example, if a window breaks during a hurricane, you may be able to board the window up from inside your home. Conversely, if you are not home when something like that occurs, the damage will only worsen. And depending on the amount of time you are gone in the storm’s aftermath, you leave your home open to critters and criminals alike.
Personally, I rarely leave for hurricanes. There are a number of factors to consider when making the decision to flee or ride out the storm. In order for me to pack up and go, one factor I consider is what category the hurricane is expected to reach by landfall. A category 3 hurricane is not necessarily one I would leave for. Now, if we are talking about a category 4 or 5, I’m likely getting the [insert expletive of your choice] out of Dodge.
What items should I have when sheltering in place?
Abruptly, (or so it seems), the storm has entered the Gulf. You have officially run out of time. The decision is due and whatever you decide, you must stick with. For me, I always prepare as if I am staying. You need to do and have almost all the same things whether you choose to leave or stay. Home preparations are always at the top of my agenda.
First, I gather all of my important documents– most recent mortgage payment receipt, homeowner and flood insurance policies, birth certificates for the entire household, and, at this point, COVID-19 vaccination records for those of us who have them. Secondly, I scan and upload copies to the cloud or some place where I can easily access them remotely. I even take screenshots. (Renters: Be sure you are making copies of your lease, renter’s insurance, etc.). Then, I place the originals in resealable storage bags.
Next, I head outside and pick up all yard toys and/or patio furniture. (I am saying “I,” but truthfully, my husband typically takes care of this part. So I will just say we instead, since we are one). Some items we place in extremely large garbage bags. We stack the chairs and tables, and then we tie them down all together to a post on the house with rope.
Note: I also do laundry during this time to ensure I have as many clean items as possible.
By this time, you should have already gassed up, but if you have not, head to the gas station. Even if you plan to stay, you still want to make sure you have a full tank of gas, in case you need to leave immediately following the storm. If you have gas cans, fill those up, too. Expect there to be long lines.
From there, plan your trip to the grocery store. You want to get canned foods and fruits that you can eat that do not require refrigeration. If you do choose to get some cold food items, purchase just enough that you can eat within a day or two. If the power goes out, you have to plan for that to be an extended period, which means you could be throwing away a lot of food. While you’re there, get some cash back. If the power is out, anything that you try to purchase after the storm will need to be paid for in cash.
As for beverages, have at least one case of bottled water per person, as a general rule of thumb. I would also consider grabbing some sports drinks with electrolytes, such as Gatorades or Powerades. Basically, prepare like you will be stuck at home with no electricity for a few days, at least.
A few things you should always remember, and in fact, keep them as staple items in your home.
After taking care of your food and beverage needs, the next thing on your agenda should be to tackle these other survival essentials. It is wise to regularly keep these items in your home. You will need batteries, flashlights, candles, matches, and lighters. Battery-operated fans could be useful, as well as bandages, scissors, and tape. A first aid kit could have some of those items already included, so make sure you have one handy. Purchasing a generator is a great investment. Please be sure to understand your responsibilities when using a generator, as improper use can be fatal. Check out this article for more tips on generator safety here.
I am evacuating. What should I take with me?
Patience and money. City leaders have warned you that this is your last chance to head out before you must stay inside. Having decided to leave, you are now faced with trying to figure out what you should actually take with you. Space will be limited as long as you are not traveling alone. My thoughts? Pack everything you purchased in preparation to stay. Minus the flashlights, candles, and fans, if you are staying away from home, you will still need clothes, medication, food items, etc. Even if you do not consume all your food/beverages while away, you want to be sure that you have some food items for your return home. Also, be sure to grab those most important valuables that will fit.
It’s hurricane season: why don’t they just leave?
It is unreasonable to think every single person currently in a city CAN evacuate for an approaching storm. The evacuation process itself is daunting. For instance, I left just ahead of Hurricane Ida. It took me 9.5 hours to reach Mobile, Alabama, which is traditionally a 2 hour drive. 9.5 HOURS! Not to mention I traveled with young children. It was almost torture!
Having to quickly leave your home and stay gone for an undetermined amount of time is already less than ideal. It’s great if you have family or friends who can take you in, but lots of people have to pay for hotels. And believe me, you are not paying discounted rates. For those who are fortunate enough to stay with others, you are now having to eat out multiple times everyday and/or buy meals and other items for that household, which add to your expenses. You cannot comfortably stay in someone’s home for an extended period and not pay for anything.
When it was safe enough for me to return home, I had so much anxiety about leaving because I could not withstand sitting on the interstate another 9+ hours for a 2 hour drive. That experience alone makes me not want to evacuate again. Adding to that stress is not knowing what you are going home to. And let’s not talk about all the times in the past where we evacuated for a storm and it either it fizzled out prior to the projected landfall or it went in a completely different direction. There are no insurance claims, reimbursements, or otherwise. Now, all the monies spent on evacuation, were for absolutely nothing.
What if there were an alternative option to staying home or evacuating? What if you could do a little of both?
In closing, what if local governments were to establish nice, clean, and safe public structures that served as storm shelters for residents? Richard Campanella brought up an array of valid points in his article, “To solve its hurricane evacuation dilemma, perhaps New Orleans should try this.” Creating government-funded “hurricane hotels” (I like the way that sounds because “shelter” tends to lean towards a more negative connotation) seems like it could be a future viable possibility. City infrastructures definitely need to be addressed, and I am looking forward to how the federal government’s plan will materialize.