Kristen's Classroom: Hurricane preparedness week
AUSTIN (KXAN) — With the Eastern Pacific Hurricane season underway and the Atlantic beginning June 1st, now is a good time to prepare for what is likely to be a busy few months of tropical activity.
Most forecasts are calling for an above-average season for both the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins. While there are currently no immediate storm threats, now is the time to prepare.
Monday: Know your risk
What surprises many about tropical systems is that water, not wind, tends to result in the most injuries and deaths. Storm surge, flooding from heavy rain and rip currents pose a significant risk to life and property. Wind concerns are not to be overlooked, though, as those, too, can create dangerous situations. Tropical systems can also bring the threat of tornadoes upon landfall.
Tuesday: Preparation
Perhaps the biggest concern in our area with a Texas-landfalling tropical system is flooding. As seen back in 2017 with Hurricane Harvey, Central Texas can pick up inches to feet of rain with any well-developed storm that takes a direct path towards us. Whether staying local or heading to the beach for vacation, it’s important to stay prepared. Preparation should include having an evacuation plan, checking in with your insurance company, stocking your emergency supply kit, etc.
Wednesday: Understanding the forecast
Central Texas can often be impacted by nearby landfalling storms. It’s important to remember that the forecast ‘cone of uncertainty’ is only a reflection of where the center of the storm is expected to go, and does not outline the extent of the impacts. Wind and water hazards can extend far outside the cone of uncertainty. In addition, people can often get caught up in focusing on the category of a storm, losing sight of the impacts and size of a storm. While the category is a reflection of the winds within a storm, the attention needs to be on the impacts.
Thursday: Evacuate when told to do so
When told to evacuate, you are encouraged to do so quickly. Make sure your home is as protected as possible, your important belongings are ready to go and you notify at least one friend, family member or neighbor of your evacuation plans.
Parents: It is a good idea to make sure your child has at least three neighbors they are comfortable asking for help. It’s also worth writing down cell phone numbers of those neighbors in the case of an emergency.
Friday: Use caution after a storm
If you evacuate, whether it be from a hurricane or other natural hazard, be sure to only return home when told to do so. Use extreme caution when approaching any debris or power line. Also, in the case of destructive storms, realize it may take days, weeks or even months to repair communication lines.
Stay with the KXAN First Warning Weather team this hurricane season.
