How do we prepare for hurricanes?

Dramatic view of Hurricane Florence captured by cameras outside of the International Space Station. (Sept. 12. 2018) Photo credit: International Space Station

What are hurricanes and why do we fear them?

Hurricanes are notorious for causing damage and devastation to communities, cities, states, and sometimes even entire countries. We’ve been tracking these potentially life threatening storms since the late 1800’s and with good reason. We needed to know when and where these disastrous storms would hit so that we could evacuate as many people as we could and as quickly as possible.

Preparing for the Storm

Florida is known for having severe damage and flooding from hurricanes. The state of Florida is a peninsula, which means it is surrounded by three bodies of water. It is also the flattest state in the U.S. The large amount of flooding Florida endures is caused by high seas and lowlands and also the water surrounding it. Following this section, you will read an interview with a Florida native who’s lived there most of her life. She currently lives in the city of Jacksonville.

How do you find out if a hurricane is coming and when it will hit?

Like everyone else. The news. Channel 4 will come on with a weather report and a warning.

What do you do to prepare for a hurricane?

It depends on how hard we think it will hit. If it’s just rain, there isn’t much preparing; it rains all the time anyway. But if we’re expecting strong winds, we start boarding up the windows. Then we go out and buy what we need. Water, and non perishable food. We get batteries, first aid kits, and all the other things we may need.

Do you fear hurricanes?

I wouldn't exactly say I fear them. But there is always the thought that maybe one day I will lose my home or a loved one because of [a hurricane]. I don't think any of us are really afraid of them.

What advice would you give to anyone who experienced or will experience a hurricane?

I would tell them to prepare properly. If you are advised by local news stations to evacuate then please do so. Always consider your own safety during storms like these. Even if you don't live in a [region] like Florida.

The Aftermath

When being prepared isn't enough to fight off hurricanes, non profit organizations such as FEMA and the American Red Cross help to relieve cities and even individuals from these destructive storms. So even if enduring a hurricane seems frightening and preparing seems hopeless, there are resources that are always there to help wherever you are and whenever you need it.

Think about your role as a student. How can you help to spread awareness about hurricanes, and in what ways can you teach others about preparedness before a natural disaster? It could start with an article or essay you wrote in class or even a small donation to an organization.

Furthermore, hurricanes aren't anything to be afraid of. They are, however, something to prepare for and something we should learn to have a better understanding of. In the future, I hope to investigate other extreme occurrences in weather and learn how we prepare for them.

Have you ever experienced a fierce storm? What was it like for you and were you prepared for it?