Hurricanes can cause great destruction to coastlines in populated areas. This threat can be forgotten about when it has been a long time since a direct hurricane strike to the coastline or when the attitude pervades that it will not happen on my coastline. Three problems that can occur on these coastlines include inadequate evacuation plans, improper construction that minimizes damage and a general lack of preparation. The population continues to grow along hurricane prone coastlines. This makes it more difficult to evacuate the population when a storm threatens. Generally, a complete evacuation will only occur in the most severe of storms. Adding to this complexity is that storms can rapidly change strength, only a narrow section of the coastline has the most severe impacts and it is an enormous strain on resources to evacuate. The downside of an improper evacuation is the loss of many lives and numerous social problems that can occur during and after the storm. It is important for construction to minimize damage. In the most severe of storms, severe damage will occur anyways, but in marginal conditions, strong building codes can significantly reduce damage. Much of the strong building code deals with the building resisting being penetrated by the strong wind. Once air is able to penetrate into the building then more damage can rapidly occur. Having strong extra supports that hold the building frame together and the ability to cover over windows is important to keeping a building intact. General preparedness is important. This preparedness can include the following: 1. Have supplies on-hand to board buildings if necessary 2. Store fresh drinking water 3. Have battery operated TV, radio, phone and have a supply of fresh batteries 4. Have a supply of food that requires no cooking or refrigeration 5. Evacuate coastal areas if prompted 6. Be especially alert to flooding since most tropical cyclone deaths result from flooding 7. Make sure gas tanks are full 8. Have extra cash 9. Have an insurance policy 10.Have important papers and medicines together in one place and with you Many people that move to coastal areas are living there for the first time. It is important for a community to keep stressing hurricane safety since the public can get apathetic if it has been a long time since a major hurricane strike. Preparedness is essential in reducing the loss of life and property. |