Hurricanes
In Florida
What causes hurricanes to form?
Stay Safe!
Here are some things you may want to put in your hutticane survival kit:
- water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
- food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
- non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
- foods for infants or the elderly
- non-electric can opener
- cooking tools and fuel
- paper plates and plastic utensils
- blankets and pillows
- clothing: include rain gear and sturdy shoes
- first aid kit, medicines and prescription drugs, and a list of your doctors, medications and allergies
- prescription eyewear
- special items for babies and the elderly
- toothbrushes, floss, etc.
- whistle to signal for help
- dust mask, to help filter contaminated air
- flashlight and batteries
- radio (battery-operated)
- household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper (when diluted in water, bleach can be used to kill germs)
- fire extinguisher
- matches in a waterproof container
- phones: fully charged cell phone with an extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
- cash (with some small bills) and credit cards (banks and ATMs might not be available)
- keys
- toys, books, games
- paper and pen/pencil
- important documents in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag: insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card(s)
- toolbox
- sunscreen
What Living Organisms are Affected?
Humans
Homes in the path of the Hurricane are destroyed, sometimes with people inside, killing them. In fact, Hurricane Katrina destroyed or damaged over 800,000 housing units.
Plants
Are sometimes knocked over during the hurricane, and they can fall on houses, or in a rare case, if humans are outside, they might be crushed by trees. Animals taking shelter in trees may also be hurt when trees fall.
Animals
May be harmed in many ways. Birds may be blown off course sometimes by hundreds of miles.
Historical Impact
Building Codes
Also, because of hurricanes, main roads have been widened to allow more traffic out of hurricane affected areas, especially in the Florida Keys.