From 1990 to 2018, 9,426 recorded natural disasters affected over 5.89 billion people, killing an additional 1.65 million.[1] When facing inclement weather, the necessity of staying informed and connected comes to the forefront. To stay safe during a hurricane people should be able to quickly and consistently answer these questions:
- How to stay safe during a hurricane?
- Where do you go during a hurricane?
- How to communicate after a hurricane?
- What precautions for hurricane preparedness should you take?
When a hurricane report message board signals an event, it is important to act quickly. This will ensure the safety of yourself, your people, and your belongings. Time is of the essence in these situations.
In this article, we guide you through hurricane safety tips such as creating and implementing communication plans when inclement weather strikes. To stay safe during a hurricane, continue reading to learn proactive communication plans, steps, and tools for hurricane safety.
The Role of Communication in Hurricane Safety
Communication is one the most important aspects of how to stay safe during a hurricane. Many people do not have the right information or preparation to communicate effectively when a hurricane strikes.
Two essential forms of communication to consider during a hurricane are communication received and distributed communication. Communication received includes early warnings and alerts of an approaching storm, potential dangers, evacuation orders and current storm developments. This communication is vital for how to stay safe in a hurricane as it ensures awareness and insight into how and when to react. Being informed can save lives during inclement weather.
Distributed communication encompasses any information you must distribute before, during or after a hurricane to ensure the safety of your people. Distributed communication includes customized plans that provide crucial information on how to prepare and react after a storm.
Communication plays a crucial role in safety by ensuring that people receive and share timely and accurate information. This can help save lives by connecting individuals to the necessary resources and support when they need it most.
How To Create a Hurricane Plan
While staying safe during a hurricane cannot always be guaranteed, a communication plan can help reduce the safety risks during a hurricane. Having a communication plan in place ensures efficient preparation to handle the challenges that arise during a hurricane.
This guide explains how to create and implement an effective communication plan for a hurricane. It includes steps to follow before, during, and after a hurricane. The plan is designed to help individuals and communities stay informed and safe. By following these steps, you can better prepare for and respond to the impacts of a hurricane. Follow these detailed steps to ensure quick and reliable communication during this critical time.
Identify Key Contacts
Start by identifying the key contacts who will be responsible for communication. The contacts may include emergency response teams, local authorities, utility companies, and relevant stakeholders. Make sure to gather contact information for each that is up to date. Include phone numbers, email addresses, and any other relevant details to ensure you have the necessary information.
Identify Reliable Communication Channels
Determine which reliable communication channels you will use to distribute information. Consider using a combination of methods to ensure a wider reach. This may include text messaging, phone calls, email alerts, social media updates, and emergency broadcasting systems. Identify the most appropriate channels based on their effectiveness, accessibility, and reliability during a hurricane.
Draft Pre-Written Message Templates
Create pre-written message templates for different scenarios that could arise during a hurricane. Having these templates prepared will not only save you time during a hurricane but also ensure consistent messaging. Examples of templates might include storm evacuation instructions and updates on how to contact emergency services. You may customize these as you see fit for your community and situation.
Establish a Communication Timeline
Create a communication timeline that outlines when and how to distribute these messages during a hurricane. The timeline should include regular intervals for sharing critical information and updates on the situation. A best practice is to send updates before the hurricane hits, and after the storm has passed to keep everyone informed and ensure safety.
Test and Review Plan
Before a hurricane, check your communication plan for problems or missing parts. This will help you be prepared for any issues. Conduct mock drills to simulate emergency scenarios and evaluate the effectiveness of your communication channels and messages. Once tested, make any adjustments or improvements necessary based on the results of the test.
Implement the Plan
Once the communication plan is finalized, you can now implement it. Ensure that all key contacts are aware of their roles and responsibilities. Distribute the pre-written message templates to the appropriate individuals and activate the selected communication channels according to the timeline created.
Monitor and Evaluate the Communication Timeline
During and after the hurricane closely monitor the effectiveness of your communication efforts. We recommend keeping track of the responses received, feedback from the recipients, and any issues that might arise.
Regularly review your communication plan to ensure it is meeting its goals and make changes as needed during this important period to ensure your plan is providing the necessary support.
Remember, a well-executed communication plan can be a lifeline during a hurricane. By following these detailed steps, you can ensure quick and reliable communication, keeping everyone informed and safe.
How Technology Aids Communication in Hurricanes
Technology plays a significant role in keeping people informed and connected during hurricanes. Numerous tools and platforms can assist in navigating such situations, for example, hurricane report message boards.
Emergency communication software solutions such as mobile apps and online platforms help to send and receive important messages during a hurricane. These technologies provide mass notification and real-time updates on hurricane warnings, weather conditions, evacuation routes, and shelter locations.
Here at BMS CAT, we know how crucial it is to have good communication during emergencies and offer a range of services to help businesses and individuals prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
Identifying Reliable Information Sources
Having reliable sources for information during a hurricane is important for staying safe. It’s recommended to check local news channels, the National Weather Service, and official government websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information on how to stay safe during a hurricane.
Alternate Communication Methods
Because of inclement weather, communication challenges increase due to power outages and loss of cell phone service from high winds destroying power lines. To prevent communication issues, make sure to have backup methods like battery-powered satellite phones or radios available. Having backup communication tools during an outage will help you get and share important information.
Hurricane Safety Tips
Staying safe during a hurricane requires proactive measures to ensure your business, home and family are prepared for the challenges that arise due to inclement weather. Follow these tips to stay safe during a hurricane.
- Inspect your property for vulnerabilities and secure windows, doors and loose objects outdoors.
- Create a communication plan and distribute it to appropriate individuals.
- Stock up on essential supplies to ensure you are prepared for emergencies and can sustain necessary needs until help arrives.
By taking these steps, you can be better prepared for hurricanes and ensure your people and property and the things you cherish most are safe during a hurricane.
In Conclusion
Remaining well-informed and connected in the face of approaching hurricanes is critical to staying safe during a hurricane. To stay safe during a hurricane, make a plan for quick and effective communication. Identifying appropriate communication channels such as alternate technology and reliable news sources ensures critical information can be received and distributed effectively, keeping your people and property safe during a hurricane.