7 Hurricane Myths Debunked
With the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season underway, there's a lot of information swirling around about these dangerous storms. Today's blog from Big Bags USA® discusses some common myths about hurricane and offers some insight into the truth.
The common belief that opening a window in your home will equalize the pressure from the storm is a total myth. Buildings aren't airtight, and there are many little openings throughout a home that would make opening a window unnecessary. The only thing that would do is create an opening for rain and debris to enter your home. In addition, leaving large openings for wind to come in and cause even more damage inside your home.
According to the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, 54% of Americans believe that placing tape over their windows will protect the glass from shattering during a hurricane. Unfortunately, this is a huge misconception. When it comes to glass, tape is not the answer, but more a waste of time. Invest in some storm shutters or plywood that covers the entire window.
While wind is responsible for the majority of the structural damage caused by hurricanes, it's not necessarily the most dangerous element of a tropical storm. Storm surge, a sudden rise in sea level along the coast, causes far more fatalities than the wind. Torrential rains can dump enough water to cause flash flooding inland as well.
When an evacuation order is issued, it's time to get going. Many people believe that since the weather looks fine, there's no rush in leaving. If a mandatory evacuation order is in effect, you're advised to leave sooner rather than later. Officials strongly advise against waiting until the last minute to evacuate, as you could put yourself, as well as emergency responders who may have to rescue you, in danger. Another evacuation issue is that the longer you wait, the worse the traffic is (especially in Florida).
The Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale rates hurricanes on a scale of 1-5 based on the maximum level of sustained winds. While this a great metric to consider, winds aren't the only thing to be concerned with during a hurricane. We also need to consider the size of the storm, the amount of rainfall and the possible storm surge. Compare Hurricanes Charley and Ike. While Charley packed 120 mph winds, it was very small. Hurricane Ike on the other hand was about 10 times larger, but considerably weaker with 95 mph winds. The storm surge from Ike caused much damage than the high-speed winds of Charley.
Each year hurricanes make an impact on the United States, and not just on the coastal areas. While the majority of damages may happen on the coastline, many areas inland can become flooded during these tropical weather events. While we all hope that we will not be affected by a hurricane, we ALL need to be prepared for anything.
The simplistic design of the Big Bags USA® flood barrier allows more systems to be deployed by fewer workers, using less training and natural resources than traditional sandbags. Our systems are 200 times faster to deploy than traditional sandbags, and they use just half the amount of sand. One Big Bags USA® protective flood barrier system replaces 750 regular sandbags. The filling and distributing of traditional sandbags is grueling work. Why not invest in something more efficient?
Now is the time to start preparing, before a storm is imminent. Big Bags USA® flood barriers are meeting flood mitigation and flood preparedness needs across the United States. Every hurricane preparedness and flood mitigation plan should include a rapid deployed system such as Big Bags USA®. Learn more about our flood barriers systems at www.BigBagsUSA.com.
Myth #1: Opening a Window During the Storm will Stabilize Pressure.
The common belief that opening a window in your home will equalize the pressure from the storm is a total myth. Buildings aren't airtight, and there are many little openings throughout a home that would make opening a window unnecessary. The only thing that would do is create an opening for rain and debris to enter your home. In addition, leaving large openings for wind to come in and cause even more damage inside your home.
Myth #2: Taping Windows will Prevent them from Shattering.
According to the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, 54% of Americans believe that placing tape over their windows will protect the glass from shattering during a hurricane. Unfortunately, this is a huge misconception. When it comes to glass, tape is not the answer, but more a waste of time. Invest in some storm shutters or plywood that covers the entire window.
Myth #3: Wind is the Most Dangerous Element of the Storm.
While wind is responsible for the majority of the structural damage caused by hurricanes, it's not necessarily the most dangerous element of a tropical storm. Storm surge, a sudden rise in sea level along the coast, causes far more fatalities than the wind. Torrential rains can dump enough water to cause flash flooding inland as well.
Myth #4: If You Lean Against a Window/Door, You'll Keep it from Blowing In.
Leaning against a window or door during a hurricane is going to do nothing but put yourself in danger. The force of hurricane winds is much stronger than any person. Instead, you should stay away from windows and doors, especially glass ones. Close all interior doors and brace external doors before the storm arrives. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level of your home.
Myth #5: There's No Need to Rush During an Evacuation Order.
When an evacuation order is issued, it's time to get going. Many people believe that since the weather looks fine, there's no rush in leaving. If a mandatory evacuation order is in effect, you're advised to leave sooner rather than later. Officials strongly advise against waiting until the last minute to evacuate, as you could put yourself, as well as emergency responders who may have to rescue you, in danger. Another evacuation issue is that the longer you wait, the worse the traffic is (especially in Florida).
Myth #6: A Category 4 will cause More Damage than a Category 2.
The Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale rates hurricanes on a scale of 1-5 based on the maximum level of sustained winds. While this a great metric to consider, winds aren't the only thing to be concerned with during a hurricane. We also need to consider the size of the storm, the amount of rainfall and the possible storm surge. Compare Hurricanes Charley and Ike. While Charley packed 120 mph winds, it was very small. Hurricane Ike on the other hand was about 10 times larger, but considerably weaker with 95 mph winds. The storm surge from Ike caused much damage than the high-speed winds of Charley.
Myth #7: Inland Cities Don't Need to Worry About Hurricanes.
Each year hurricanes make an impact on the United States, and not just on the coastal areas. While the majority of damages may happen on the coastline, many areas inland can become flooded during these tropical weather events. While we all hope that we will not be affected by a hurricane, we ALL need to be prepared for anything.
Bonus Myth: Sandbags are my Best Defense Against Flooding caused by Hurricanes.
The simplistic design of the Big Bags USA® flood barrier allows more systems to be deployed by fewer workers, using less training and natural resources than traditional sandbags. Our systems are 200 times faster to deploy than traditional sandbags, and they use just half the amount of sand. One Big Bags USA® protective flood barrier system replaces 750 regular sandbags. The filling and distributing of traditional sandbags is grueling work. Why not invest in something more efficient?
Now is the time to start preparing, before a storm is imminent. Big Bags USA® flood barriers are meeting flood mitigation and flood preparedness needs across the United States. Every hurricane preparedness and flood mitigation plan should include a rapid deployed system such as Big Bags USA®. Learn more about our flood barriers systems at www.BigBagsUSA.com.
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
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