Hurricane

"Safety in Hurricanes"

Hurricanes are one of the most damaging forces of nature. These tropical storms, with possible winds speeds of over eighty miles per hour, have the potential to destroy millionsÐ'...including you. Which is why I write to you, the population of Southern Florida, in hopes of informing you about the dangers of hurricanes. Many precautions have been taken in the past. Though, some safety measures are unreliable. Having the attitude of " OhÐ'...what are the chances of a hurricane hitting me?" or " What are the odds of that happening to me?" will not surpass as a justification for not taking the proper precautions. The fact is hurricanes give very little warning time and it is absolutely necessary that you clean your house and yard, make plans for evacuation of family members, and get flood insurance.

One of the most important safety steps is cleaning around your house, because materials in your yard can serve as missiles. The possible three hundred to four hundred mile span of the average hurricane can transform objects such as dead tree limbs, playground equipment, and any other "loose" materials in your yard into deadly projectiles targeted at your house. That is why it is important to cut dead limbs as well as trim back any weak limbs. Along with objects in your yard, your have can become hazardous during a hurricane. To insure the inhabitant's safety, boarding windows to avoid "shooting" glass is very essential. I would suggest permanent shutters, though this can become very expensive. Another alternative is using sheets of one-half inch plywood.

Secondly, you should make evacuation plans for your family members. Planning an evacuation route is simple. You can call local emergency management offices and determine the quickest, safest route to a shelter. Though, make sure you create an evacuation plan for you pets. Pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for