There are certain areas of the world that fall victim to the whims of Mother Nature during hurricane season on a fairly regular basis. For the inhabitants of these areas, bracing for the storm has become a way of life. However, since the devastation following Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita when people thought it would be safe to try and ride out the storm, there are very few people who are foolish enough to take their safety for granted. Still, it is important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to dealing with the wrath of hurricane season.
Myth: Hurricanes only occur during ‘Hurricane Season’ (i.e. June 1 through November 30).
While it is true that hurricanes most commonly occur during ‘Hurricane Season’, they can occur at any time that the conditions are right.
Myth: My homeowner’s insurance policy will cover the damage.
Most of the damage your home sustains during a hurricane will be water damage. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding damage and will have a high deductible for all hurricane related damage. If you live in an area where hurricanes are common, you may want to consider an additional flood insurance policy.
Myth: You should fill sinks and bathtubs before a storm to use as drinking water.
It is a good idea to fill up tubs and sinks to use for things like flushing the toilet if the water in your area is shut off, but it is not considered sanitary to use it as drinking water. Stock up on bottled water instead.
Myth: You should tape up your windows to prevent them from being shattered during a hurricane.
Taping up your windows will not prevent them from breaking. In fact, the only thing it will do is cover your windows in sticky gunk that is hard to remove. Your time would be much better spent boarding up your windows to prevent breakage.
Myth: Opening your windows will help relieve some of the pressure and prevent damage to your house.
Opening the windows and letting 150 mph winds into your house is basically a horrible idea any way you look at it. Rather than opening the windows, you should look to make your home as air tight as possible.
Above all, the most damaging myth regarding hurricanes is that they can’t happen to you. Believing you are safe and that you don’t have to prepare yourself is potentially the most dangerous thing you can do. Even if you live inland, you should know the basics of preparing for a hurricane – it just might save your life one day.
Resources:
Lake Worth, Florida. The Top 10 List of Hurricane Myths.
Myth Busters. Blowing Away Five Big Hurricane Myths.
Danny Lipford. DIY: Top 10 Hurricane Myths Debunked.
