Hurricane Misconceptions
Along the coastal regions of the United States, hurricane season is crucial. Residents are constantly reminded by the news and highway signs to be prepared and to never underestimate the severity of a passing tropical storm. There are however, many myths that fly around during this time which continue to increase the risk of property damage and injuries.
1. Taping up the windows.
This misconception has been proven against time and time again as hurricane victims have continued to experience powerful storm winds and objects penetrate through their windows, despite the “X” tape stuck on there. People have been committing this practice for many years, believing that the tape will hold the glass as a whole if it is pushed off by hurricane winds. In coastal regions where tropical storms usually hit, it may be best to board the windows with wood, that way when a 150mph wind races towards your house, shattered glass wont be flying all over the place.
2. The Rule of Threes.
The rule of threes includes 3 survival facts relating to the amount of time a person can live without certain necessities. CNN has shared that people can:
- Survive for three hours without shelter
- Survive for three days without water
- Survive for three weeks without food
In extreme weather conditions like Hurricane Katrina, survivors were forced to stay on rooftops until rescuers arrived at if powerful winds or water levels were to rise, theu unfortunately, may have perished. During hurricane season, citizens should continue to prepare buy buying water and canned food. When events take a turn for the worse and relief organizations take a little longer than expected, victims are at least able to temporarily fend for themselves with water and preserved food.
3. Hurricanes only damage coastal regions.
Many inlanders believe they are safe from tropical storms. Strong winds and heavy rains can carry out for miles, damaging areas past the coastal regions. Although the destruction may not be as severe as it is in the towns close to water, it is still a smart, safe practice to keep preparation materials around, just in case.
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