Although damage from storm tides is the worst; fast winds originating in the sea contribute to almost all damage. They cause the water to pile up in the ocean and rush inwards as a huge wave. And on land they rush furiously with speeds of more than 100 mph. Their ability to devastate, cause damage, and grievous injury should never be underestimated. Furious winds can propel debris at great speeds. Even a 2 pound piece of wood rushing at you at 50 mph can be a rib-breaker. Wind therefore is one of the greatest threats to your life, property, and limbs. The Wind Engineering Research Center at Texas Tech University states that you are safe behind concrete walls. This means that you need take care of the exits to outside areas. Use sturdy hurricane shutters, because once the gusts of winds enter your house, not only will there be a mess with household items there is a chance the winds might blow your roof off!
Simulated hurricane conditions in a lab environment have revealed that everything including drywall, fiberglass, wood-stud walls, and lightweight steel will fall apart when assailed by debris – everything except concrete. If you are living in an area where hurricane wind speeds can go above 100 mph then you need to do all you can to protect yourself. Use storm-resistant building materials for construction. Check out the effectiveness of the shotcrete technique for building storm-resistant homes. Stay at home if there is no evacuation warning; the aftermath of a hurricane can leave the roads and surrounding areas in a mess with broken boughs, gutters overflowing, glass, nails, tin, and other sharp items hidden under debris or ankle deep water. Polluted and contaminated water is a health hazard and debris is a safety hazard. Stay stocked with essentials that will help you go through the 3-4 days of inconvenience in the aftermath of a hurricane.
