After Hurricanes Cindy and Dennis narrowly missed Louisiana earlier this summer, I can see first hand how residents and travelers could be lulled into a false sense of security in the face of false alarms. (Related column: How to avoid being a victim of the weather)
To alert travelers to the possibility of a hurricane, The Florida Keys & Key West Tourism Council devotes a special section of its website specifically to hurricane information. The website includes frequently asked questions, links to related sites, and a "Latest News" section is updated every few hours during a major storm.
Precautions for traveling to an area frequented by hurricanes
Hurricane season officially begins June 1st and ends November 30th, although hurricanes occasionally occur outside these dates.
If you visit a locale where hurricanes are possible you need to take certain precautions, says Newman. Newman recommends checking with the National Weather Service and visiting the National Hurricane Center (NHC) website when planning a trip to an area that could be impacted by a hurricane. You can also obtain information from The Weather Channel or your local weather bureau.
"Hurricane forecasting has gotten much better over the years but it is still not an exact science," says Newman. On the NHC map, you will see both three and five day cones projecting a storm's path. Inside the five day cone no action is necessary, according to Newman, but within the three day cone the threat is much greater. Newman recommends travelers immediately make alternate plans inside the 3 day cone.
Because communications are often knocked out during a hurricane, Newman recommends that travelers provide contact information to family members and employers..As cellphones may be rendered useless during a hurricane, consider a satellite phone to provide reliable communication under all conditions. Also, be certain that your batteries are fully charged in case of an extended power outage.
Steps to take if a storm is threatening
If you are already in an area threatened by a hurricane, gathering information is also important. "Talk to the hotel concierge or front desk and listen to local media reports", says Newman. "Ask 'what happens if there's a hurricane. What do I need to know?'" Determine if local emergency management has provided any instructions to the hotel or if an evacuation order has been given.
"We actually begin our evacuations somewhere in the neighborhood of anywhere between 48 and 72 hours before tropical force winds are forecast to come ashore," says Newman.
In the Florida Keys, there are no mandatory evacuations for residents during a Category 1 or Category 2 storm, but "We insist on evacuating visitors for any category storm for their safety," Newman says. Visitors will always be evacuated at least 24 hours in advance of residents.
What to do if a hurricane is imminent and you cannot get out in time
The major dangers of a hurricane are falling objects from the wind and flooding. "The general rule is to get as far inland as possible," says Newman. "Find the most secure and safest structure available away from the coast." This is most likely a school or a hotel. Ask the general manager or front desk staff if the building is structurally sound. Find an interior room on the second or third floors with no windows. Most hotels in coastal areas will have a hurricane plan, according to Newman.
Obtain a couple of day's worth of non-- perishable food and water from the hotel gift shop or a nearby market. Stay inside and do not drive during the storm. Newman also recommends being extra careful if you drive after a storm because of possible flooding.
If you must travel following a hurricane
If you have a trip scheduled to a place that was recently struck by a hurricane, Newman recommends making a few phone calls in advance. "Ask the hotel about their situation." Did they have any structural damage? Are rooms flooded or windows broken? Make sure they have electric power, phone service, and that all of the restaurants are operating again. Once again it is all about getting information before you travel.
"Remember every storm is different," says Newman. "The better prepared you are, the less of an inconvenience it's going to be."
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