Hurricane Florence has been downgraded to a Category 2 storm as of this writing. Still, the people on the U.S. East Coast are far from safe. The hurricane is still expected to cause major damage to the Carolinas. In fact, the reach of its winds has doubled despite weakening to “only” 74 miles per hour. Aside from the current destruction that the hurricane is causing, residents in the coastal areas should also be wary of a storm surge.
According to meteorologist Chad Myers, we should still expect a “Category 4 storm surge.” This leads us to the question, “How can we prepare for a storm surge?” But before we answer this important question, let’s first define what a storm surge is.
What is A Storm Surge
There is some confusion with regard to a storm surge and a tsunami. Of course, both have something to do with water and often leave a path of destruction.
A tsunami is a ginormous “wall of water” created by underwater movements such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mudslides. It’s also referred to as a tidal wave.
A storm surge, also known as storm flood and storm tide, is rising water caused by hurricanes and similar intense low-pressure weather systems. Flooding often is the result of a storm surge joining forces with high tide.
Despite their differences in origin, both tsunamis and storm surges can cause flooding, destruction of property, and loss of lives. The last one is what we’re trying to prevent here.
How to Prepare for a Storm Surge
You can’t do anything about the flooding nice a storm surge occurs. There’s little you can do to protect your home and assets if a giant wave comes barging through. What you can control is whether you live to pick up the pieces or perish with the wave of destruction and its aftermath.
Plan Ahead
First of all, determine if your area is prone to storm surges. Coastal areas such as the Carolinas often fall victim to these natural disasters. If your place has a target on its back, you have to have an emergency plan.
Determine the safest place to be during a storm surge. Make arrangements with family or friends that live on higher ground to stay there if necessary. Determine the fastest and safest way to get there. Make sure everyone in the family knows where to go once a storm surge warning is in place. You also need to prepare some stuff you’ll need once you leave your home.
Finally, practice your evacuation plan. Make sure everybody knows their roles. Who will close all the windows and doors, including those in the basement? Who will shut down the gas and power before you go? Who will be driving your bug out vehicle? Oh, and did you fill the tank up? These are just a few of the questions that need to be answered before disaster strikes.
Bug Out Bag
We’ve been going on and on about the importance of a bug out bag (BOB). Some people look at preppers as people who have loose screws in their heads. But as the story of Noah proved, these people will not be laughing when the great flood, or in this case a storm surge, comes.
Food and Water Supply
Each bug out bag should contain non-perishable food and clean water. You need at least three days’ worth of both. Consider that a person needs one gallon of water each day. Also, factor in that Florence will be targeting North Carolina, where there are lots of hog manure pits and coal ash dumps.
If you don’t want to be wading three feet deep in manure and ash-tainted flood water brought by torrential rains and a storm surge, it’s wise to skedaddle out of there before it’s too late. It’s also wise to stock up on lots of clean drinking water.
Clothing and Bedding
Things will get wet and messy during a hurricane and a storm surge will make it even worse. Pack extra clothes so you can change out of your wet ones. You also need enough clothes to use for a few days while you’re holed up somewhere far from the reach of a storm surge.
It will likely get cold, especially at night. Pack warm clothes like a jacket, long sleeve shirt, and long pants. You also need a good pair of gloves, socks ad a hat. Bring rain gear with you, as well.
You may need to bring bedding depending on where you’ll be staying. If you’re with family or friends, they will likely provide you with a room of your own equipped with a bed, blankets, and pillows. If you’re evacuating to a shelter, you’ll be more comfortable if you pack a tent, sleeping bags, and bedding.
Survival Gear
You can check previous articles on this website for more comprehensive lists of items you need to pack in your bug out bag. For now, we’ll stick to the basics.
You need a light source in case the power goes out. Pack some flashlights, headlamps, and LED lanterns. Make sure you have extra batteries. You may also need to build fire. Keep matches and lighters inside a Ziploc or any other waterproof container.
It’s also important to stay updated with what’s happening around you. A battery-operated and hand-crank radio should do the trick. You should also keep your phones fully charged before a hurricane hits so you’ll have a means of communicating with the people you’re supposed to stay with when you have to bug out.
Health and Hygiene
During natural disasters such as hurricanes and storm surges, there’s a risk of getting hurt. Pack a first aid kit in each of your bug out bags. Make sure you have different kinds of medications such as antihistamines, aspirin, antidiarrheals, antacids, and prescription drugs. Bring an insect repellent, as well.
For your personal hygiene, bring soap, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and small towels, among others. Don’t forget the sanitary pads for the women. You also need to keep things clean, especially if you’re in a shelter. Bring some garbage bags.
Other Items
Enhance your chances of survival by bringing survival gear such as a multi-tool, paracord, thermal blanket, compass, emergency whistle, glow sticks, signal mirrors, duct tape, tarp, wrench or pliers, and others.
If you have an infant, pack an ample supply of baby formula, diapers, and other baby needs. For pet owners, make sure you have pet food, disposable litter trays, and litter.
You can’t stop a storm surge as much as you can’t stop a hurricane. Once you hear a storm surge warning, you need to act fast and follow every step of your emergency plan.
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