How to prepare for a hurricane if you live in a high rise building

Living in a high-rise building during hurricane season brings a unique set of challenges, especially when severe storms, like the recent Hurricane Idalia in Florida, can unleash devastating winds and flooding. Recent research from the National Hurricane Center has highlighted the growing unpredictability of hurricane paths and intensities, emphasizing the need for coastal residents—especially those in high-rise apartments—to take hurricanes more seriously than ever. Modern building codes may ensure structures can withstand high winds, but no building is completely hurricane-proof. Florida’s hurricanes have shown how even the most robust buildings can suffer from broken windows, power outages, and flooding that affects higher floors.

In light of these risks, preparing for a hurricane if you live in a high-rise is not just about securing your apartment; it’s about being proactive with your building’s infrastructure and understanding evacuation routes and emergency protocols. With changing weather patterns and an increase in severe hurricanes, being well-prepared can significantly reduce risks and keep you safe during the storm.

Before the Hurricane

1. Assess Your Building’s Preparedness:
   • Emergency plan: Familiarize yourself with your building’s emergency evacuation plan and procedures.
   • Structural integrity: Inquire about the building’s structural integrity and its ability to withstand hurricane-force winds.
   • Emergency supplies: Determine if the building has a designated emergency supplies stockpile.
   • Communication systems: Ensure that the building has reliable communication systems, such as emergency generators and backup power sources.
2. Create a Personal Emergency Kit:
   • Essential supplies: Assemble a kit containing non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, a first aid kit, a manual can opener, a whistle, and a portable charger for your electronic devices.
   • Important documents: Keep copies of important documents, such as passports, identification cards, insurance policies, and medical records, in a waterproof container.  
   • Emergency contacts: Update your emergency contact list with the names and phone numbers of family, friends, and neighbors.
3. Secure Your Living Space:
   • Remove loose objects: Remove any loose items from balconies, windowsills, or other areas that could become projectiles during high winds.
   • Close windows and secure shutters: Close and secure all windows and shutters to protect them from damage.
   • Unplug electronics: Unplug all unnecessary electronic devices to prevent electrical fires.
   • Secure furniture: Move heavy furniture away from windows to prevent it from being blown over.
4. Develop an Evacuation Plan:
   • Escape routes: Identify multiple escape routes from your building, including stairwells and emergency exits.
   • Meeting point: Designate a meeting point outside the building where you can reunite with family and friends after the storm.
   • Transportation: Consider alternative transportation options, such as public transportation or ride-sharing services, if necessary.

During the Hurricane

1. Stay Informed:
   • Monitor weather updates: Keep track of the hurricane’s path and intensity through reliable news sources or weather apps.
   • Follow building instructions: Adhere to any instructions provided by building management or emergency personnel.
2. Secure Your Doors and Windows:
   • Reinforce doors and windows: If instructed, reinforce doors and windows with plywood or hurricane shutters.
3. Stay Indoors:
   • Avoid elevators: Do not use elevators during or immediately after a hurricane, as power outages can cause them to malfunction.
   • Stay away from windows: Avoid standing near windows, as they may shatter during strong winds.
   • Shelter in a designated safe room: If your building has a designated safe room, seek shelter there.

After the Hurricane

1. Assess Damage:
   • Check for structural damage: Inspect your building for any signs of structural damage, such as cracks or leaning walls.
   • Avoid damaged areas: Stay away from damaged areas of the building, as they may be unstable.
2. Use Caution When Leaving the Building:
   • Inspect stairwells: Before using stairwells, ensure they are clear of debris and safe to use.
   • Be aware of falling objects: Watch out for falling objects, such as broken glass or debris.
3. Follow Building Management Instructions:
   • Adhere to guidelines: Follow any guidelines or restrictions imposed by building management.
   • Cooperate with authorities: Cooperate with emergency personnel and follow their instructions.

Additional Tips

• Prepare a first aid kit: Include essential medical supplies in your emergency kit, such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and a thermometer.
• Have a backup power source: Consider purchasing a portable generator or battery-powered devices to keep essential items running during power outages.
• Stock up on supplies: Have a sufficient supply of non-perishable food, water, and other essential items to last for at least three days.
• Communicate with neighbors: Establish a neighborhood communication plan to share information and coordinate efforts during and after the storm.
• Stay calm and patient: Hurricanes can be stressful, but staying calm and patient can help you cope with the situation more effectively.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that residents of high-rise buildings develop a comprehensive emergency plan and be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period.

Reference:

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): “Hurricane Preparedness for High-Rise Buildings.” https://www.fema.gov/

National Hurricane Center: “Hurricane Safety Tips.” 

American Red Cross: “Emergency Preparedness for High-Rise Buildings.” https://www.redcross.org/

Building Industry Association: “Hurricane Preparedness for High-Rise Structures.”

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