American Safety Zone - Hurricane Wilma

Hurricane Wilma

What force of nature knocks out water and power to a minimum of four counties and spreads destruction across the lower half of an entire state from coast to coast? Hurricane Wilma!

Hurricane Wilma Pounds Mexico and South Florida

The 2005 hurricanes have set records, but hurricane Wilma in particular has set its own records. First of all, hurricane Wilma was the most intense hurricane ever in the Atlantic Basin. It was also the third Category 5 hurricane in one season, which beats the records set in the 1960 and 1961 seasons.

At one point when hurricane Wilma stalled over Mexico for two days, many Florida residents stopped preparing, thinking the hurricane would die down to tropical storm status when or if it hit Florida. Bear in mind that forecasters did not tell residents to stop making preparations, but people who had lived in Florida and weathered many hurricanes in the past thought hurricane Wilma wasn't going to be a threat. As a result, many didn't stock up on water, non-perishible foods, batteries, prescriptions, cash or gas.

In Delray Beach, FL, many people followed some of the hurricane safety rules to protect their homes by putting up hurricane shutters. Even though home safety practices were in place, a lot of people didn't stock up on water and ice. Then again, without power, the amount of ice you can keep frozen is fairly limited unless you have an unlimited supply of coolers. Finding ice and water on a daily basis turned out to be a chore, too, because nobody anticipated the amount of damage the storm caused. Many learned not to take the rules of weather safety for granted.

The next time a hurricane is threatening your area, take these steps to be prepared--and safe:

Stock up on water! Count on a gallon per day, per person in your household.
Make sure all your flashlights work.
Stock up on batteries for flashlights and battery-operated radios.
Make sure you have enough candles, but remember to practice candle safety as well.
If you have a gas grill, it can't hurt to get an extra propane tank. If you have a regular grill, stock up on charcoal and lighter fluid.
Make sure you have plenty of non-perishible foods on hand.
Fill at least one bathtub with water. If you don't have water, you can put the bathtub water in the toilet tank so you can flush.
If you have any prescriptions, get them refilled, if possible so you don't run out.
Make sure your cell phone is charged, and make sure you have a cell phone charger for your car.
If the authorities say to evacuate, do it. Put up your hurricane shutters, pack up things that can't be replaced and take them with you (pictures, important documents, etc.).

If you follow these tips, you'll be on your way to surviving your next hurricane.