Here’s one of the facts about hurricanes – they are a ferocious force of nature that tears apart any home or community. Some of the most violent and devastating natural disasters in recent memory were Hurricane Katrina, Sandy, and Irma.

Hurricane is a large and powerful storm that forms over warm ocean waters and can potentially cause significant damage to coastal areas. It is a tropical cyclone with winds reaching 74 miles per hour or greater. In contrast, a tropical storm has winds between 39 and 73 miles per hour.

In this article, we will cover 5 interesting facts and provide tips on how to stay safe at home during this disaster. Learning more about these powerful storms and taking the necessary precautions means you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

5 Facts to Know About Hurricane

It is an awe-inspiring phenomenon that has fascinated scientists and the general public for centuries. Here are five interesting facts:

1. It rotates counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere due to the Coriolis Effect, a phenomenon caused by the Earth’s rotation.
2. The word “hurricane” comes from the Taino Native American word “huracan,” which means “god of the storm.”
3. The most powerful one among the hurricanes on record was Hurricane Allen in 1980, which had sustained winds of 190 miles per hour.
4. Hurricane Katrina, which hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, was the costliest in U.S. history, causing over $125 billion in damages. However, Florida has also experienced some of the deadliest hurricanes in history.
5. They are named alphabetically, with six lists of names used in rotation. If it is particularly destructive, its name is retired and replaced with a new name.

While these facts may be interesting, they are also incredibly dangerous and can cause significant damage and loss of life. Therefore, taking the necessary precautions to stay safe during a disaster is essential.

How to Stay Safe At Home During a Natural Disaster

During a hurricane, your home can provide shelter and protection from the storm. However, it’s important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some home safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

1. Stay Out of Floodwater

Floodwater is likely contaminated with bacteria and other hazardous substances. Therefore, it’s essential to avoid it. It’s essential to avoid it. If you must go through floodwater, wear protective clothing, such as waterproof boots and gloves. Children, especially, should be kept away from flood water as they are more prone to infections and illnesses from contaminated water.

2. Use Flashlights Instead of Candles

During hurricane season, power outages are common, and it’s important to have a source of light. However, candles can be a fire hazard during a hurricane, especially when combined with strong winds. It is best to use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead. Ensure you have extra batteries so your flashlights don’t run out of power.

3. Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. It is produced by gasoline-powered equipment such as generators, grills, and cars. Never use generators, grills, or other gasoline-powered equipment inside your home, garage, or any enclosed space to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Place generators outdoors, at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents.

4. Avoid Damaged Buildings

If you’re in an area under a hurricane watch, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your property from potential damage. If your home has been damaged during a natural disaster, stay away until it is inspected and declared safe by a professional. Also, be aware of the risks of falling debris, sharp objects, and slippery surfaces when walking in a damaged building.

5. Only Consume Safe Food and Water

If your water supply has been compromised, boil water for at least one minute before consuming it. Avoid eating food that has come into contact with floodwater during hurricanes, including canned goods and containers with screw caps or snap lids. Floodwater can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that make you sick.

6. Secure Outdoor Items

Strong winds during a hurricane can turn outdoor items into dangerous projectiles. Bring in lightweight items, all outdoor furniture, decorations, and toys, and tie down any items that cannot be brought inside. Check your fencing for any damage and reinforce it as necessary. If you have a gate, make sure it is securely latched.

7. Stay Away from Windows

During a hurricane, windows can shatter, sending dangerous glass shards flying, so stay at  home and be safe. Stay away from windows, and close all blinds, curtains, and shutters to prevent the glass from breaking into your home.

8. Keep Important Documents and Valuables in a Safe Place

Ensure your important documents, such as birth certificates, passports, and insurance policies, are kept in a safe, waterproof place. You can also take pictures of your important documents and store them in a cloud-based storage platform or email them to yourself as a backup.

9. Charge Electronic Devices

Most importantly, before the hurricane season, ensure all electronic devices, such as cell phones and laptops, are fully charged. In addition, consider investing in a portable power bank in case of power outages.

10. Have a Plan

Make a plan with your family and friends for how you will communicate and meet up if you get separated during a natural disaster. Identify a safe room in your home, such as a bathroom or closet, where you can take shelter during the storm. Practice your evacuation plan in advance and ensure everyone in your household knows what to do in an emergency.

Natural Disaster Restoration with United Restoration

Despite knowing the facts about hurricanes and taking all necessary precautions, these storms can still cause significant damage to homes and properties.

United Restoration is available 24/7 to respond to your emergency restoration needs. We specialize in water damage restoration, mold remediation, and fire damage restoration. Our experienced professionals use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to restore your property quickly and efficiently.

Contact us today for expert hurricane and natural disaster restoration services.