Hurricane Irma is quickly approaching the United States at a gushing 14 mph. Now, the hurricane is labeled as a category 5. The winds are about 185 mph which makes it the second strongest hurricane ever recorded.
As it moves west, it will also impact the Caribbean Islands; especially Cuba. It is expected to directly hit Florida (southeast) and work its way north.
At over 400 miles across, the storm is bigger than the state of Ohio! The estimated damages are expected to be greater than that of Hurricane Katrina.
If you are going to be affected by the storm, please follow these steps in order to ensure safety:
- GET WATER
- Fill up your car with gas
- Try to evacuate and go to Georgia or Alabama, if possible
- Have batteries ready
- Flashlights and candles
- First-Aid kit
- Back up batteries for cellphone
- Cash (small bills)
- Important documents
- Keep electronics upper level. (Ex: Do not have TV on the floor in case of flooding, etc)
- Find a parking garage to park your car so it does not get flooded
But most of all, stay safe! Even if you are not directly impacted, there will be heavy amounts of rain and damage due to winds. It is better to be over-prepared rather than not ready for what could happen.
Please review this link if you would like additional information on how to prepare: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2017/09/05/how-to-prepare-for-hurricane-irma/?utm_term=.044b229ef969