Guideline for Weathering the Effects of Storm Surge

During hurricane season, a storm surge is one of the hazards you need to anticipate. When it happens, things can escalate in mere seconds. It would be hard to survive a big storm surge if you haven’t properly prepared yourself for it.

What are the Effects of Storm Surge?

A storm surge is seawater that gets pushed to the land by a hurricane. It can either be a wall of water, or a rapid rise of water level. The size may vary from small and ignorable, to one that can knock out a coastal city in one giant swoop.

How Should You Prepare?

It is crucial to understand whether your area is at risk of a storm surge or not. If it is, then you should know how to anticipate the effects of storm surge to avoid getting caught in it.

1. Listen to local broadcasts regularly and stay updated on the latest hurricane and weather situation.

2. Prepare a backpack or a suitcase filled with anything essential you need during an evacuation. Put the bag in a place where you can quickly grab it when you need to make an immediate escape.

3. Make an evacuation plan, including the roads to take to get to a higher and safe place.

4. Learn how to turn off the electricity and gas line in your house. You will need to do it when a storm surge happens.

5. Keep your car filled with gas because a trip to a gas station during an evacuation can put you in a tough situation.

6. Store any valuable documents and goods in high places. You can also keep them in the car that way they’re already on-hand during an evacuation.

7. If there is an order for evacuation, do it as soon as possible before the roads get crowded or the water starts coming.

8. Fix any windows or doors that seem fragile to prevent damage from the surge.

Surviving A Storm Surge

If a storm surge occurs but it is too late to evacuate, then you need to know the do’s and don’ts to help you survive. Make sure to educate your family on these tips just in case.

1. Keep an ear out for weather updates and warnings.

2. Turn off the electricity and gas line to avoid a bigger disaster.

3. Don’t try to ride a boat during the surge. The flooding is too unstable and too strong to navigate. You might end up getting flipped and caught up in the current.

4. Don’t drive through the flooding. You could end up getting stuck.

5. If there is no specific plan to evacuate yourself, stay inside the house and try to get to as high of ground as possible.

6. Stay away from doors and windows because the water will burst in.

7. Beware of the risk of drowning and hypothermia if you are not able to stay in a dry area.

There is no way to prevent the effects of storm surge from happening. But technology has allowed us to receive early warnings. Educate your family on storm surges and the proper safety protocols. If you do it well, it is possible to save yourself, your family, and maybe even some of your valuable belongings.

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Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our HVAC team online.