What precautions should be taken before a Tropical Storm/Cyclone hits?

OK we all waiting in anticipation to see whether TS Irina will have an effect on Mozambique and South African weather. Weather forecasters are of the opinion that Irina will effect Southern Mozambique, Northern Province, Mpumalanga, Swaziland and Northern Kwazulu Natal.

The following question now comes to mind: What precautions should be taken before a Tropical Storm/Cyclone hits?

I hear many say there is not really much one can do! Wrong - you can sit and do nothing or ensure your family’s safety by taking a few simple precautionary steps.

Assuming you choose to remain in your home during the storm, there are a number of steps you should take to stay as safe and comfortable as possible. But you need to be aware that during tropical storms and cyclones, it is not the winds that cause the majority of death and destruction, but water/flooding as a result of tidal surge and heavy rain. Depending on where the tropical storm make landfall either Mozambique or Northern Kwazulu Natal a tidal surge, heavy rain and strong winds will occur. Thankfully Kwazulu Natal has as far as can be ascertained not experienced a direct landfall from a cyclone or tropical storm in the past.

Here is a few steps that can be taken:

1. Remove all water pumps and equipment from low lying areas, especially those close to rivers and ravines.
2. Secure all outdoor furniture to reduce the amount of damage to it, and to help prevent it from being thrown against your (or someone else's) home, and causing more damage to the exterior of the home and the outdoor furniture.
3. Turn off gas to prevent gas leaks from broken or damaged gas lines. Many farms in South Africa use gas stoves or other gas related implements.
4. Stock up on battery powered flashlights, candles, and have a battery powered radio.
5. Stock up on bottled water, as well as non-perishable foods that can be prepared and eaten without having to be cooked. Be sure to have enough food and water to last for everyone in the home for a week, including pets. And don't forget a can opener and a clean, sharp pocket knife.
6. If you have an infant on a bottle, have enough bottles on hand so that you won't have to worry about how you can wash them if there is no clean water. And be sure to either have single use sized cans of formula, or an ice chest with plenty of ice to store any opened cans of formula.
7. Stock up on anti-bacterial hand wipes, gel hand cleaners and paper towels in the event there is no water for washing or bathing.
8. Have a two week supply of any prescription medications, as well as personal care items (tooth brushes and paste, hygiene products, etc.).
9. Have a well stocked first aid kit in the event of injuries. Disinfectants, antiseptics, antibiotic creams, bandanges, cotton balls, aspirin, Tylenol, and a thermometer are some of the basics you need.
10. Make sure all vehicles have a full petrol tank.
11. Have several changes of clothing for each member of the household, and if you have a baby still in diapers, have a two week supply on hand.
12. Select the innermost part of your home, on the ground floor, to ride out the storm, but not a basement or cellar. In the event of flooding, being in those areas of your home may make it impossible to escape. Stay away from all windows and glass doors!
13. Have mattresses, blankets, pillows, etc. already in place before the storm hits.
It would also be a good idea to purchase a bedside commode in the event the water and plumbing is rendered out of order during the storm. You can line the receptacle bucket with small garbage bags to make clean-up much easier and more sanitary. These can be purchased from any medical supply store, as well as many drug stores.
14. Have a supply of books, puzzles, toys, etc. in the event the electricity is off, especially if you have children.
15. You may want to purchase a portable generator, which costs about R5000 for an average sized one. This is especially important if someone in the household is on oxygen or other electrical powered medical equipment; it will also keep the foods in your refrigerator/freezer from spoiling in the event of an electrical outage. But if you do use a generator, be sure to follow all instructions and safety precautions that come with it, and do not operate it indoors (carbon monoxide!).
16. Fill all bath tubs with clean water; it can be used for sponge baths, flushing toilets, etc. But if there are young children or pets in the home, be sure the door is kept securely closed at all times to prevent a child or pet from falling in the tub and drowning. A young child can drown in a few drops of water!
17. Go over emergency instructions with everyone in the household such as everyone staying together, away from all windows, etc.
18. Also, if there are several members in the household, develop an "accounting system", where everyone is accounted for at all times in the event the storm gets really intense.
19. Since water/flooding is the leading cause of death and destruction in tropical storms and cyclones, it is crucial to be aware of your surroundings. If you observe water coming into your house, get to higher ground immediately.
20. If you have pets that stay outside, bring them in during the storm; they deserve safety and comfort, too.
21. Have enough cash on hand to last for a while in the event you can't get to the bank or an ATM.
22. Put all important papers and documents (birth certificates, drivers licenses, insurance information, etc.) in a water proof zip lock bag and keep it with you, or at least a copy of these. Leave a bit of air in the bag before closing; in the event of flooding it will help it to float, making it easier to find. If you have a safe that you keep these in, you still need to put them in a zip lock bag to help keep them dry.
23. Do not wait until the last day to purchase supplies (food, water, etc.) or you run the risk of there being very little, or even none, of the supplies left that you need. It's a good idea to stock up on all non-perishables items.
24. It would also be a good idea to have a cell phone, fully charged, with you so you will have a way to call emergency services if needed, and to contact family/friends to let them know if you are all ok. Just keep in mind, though, that the cell towers may not be working for a while, so it would be a good idea to have a back-up plan (Amateur Radio, Citizens band or 29 Mhz radios) to notify family/friends.
25. Never try to cross a river, ravine or low level bridge by foot or by car at any time during or after the storm. Most deaths in South Africa occurred when people tried to cross rivers and low level bridges. As a result they drown.
26. Do not go out to sea or inland lakes at all. Stay home, you will in any event not catch fish in severe weather.
27. Stay at home unless you live in a low lying area and your home is prone to flooding. Evacuate your property in advance.
28. Do not drive or walk at night time during a storm as you will be unable to observe dangerous situations/areas/holes/damaged bridges/inaccessibly roads.
29. Do not ignore warnings issued by local authorities, Disaster Management, Police, Army and Rescue personal.
30. Wear the correct clothes and shoe-ware during severe weather. Protect you body at all times.

It is recommended that you print this rather than trying to rely on memory to take all precautions, and store it in an easily accessible place.

Now the above might sound over the top for Mozambique and South Africa. Firstly many in Mozambique do not have the luxury items listed above and South Africa do not experience direct hits by tropical storms or cyclones. Never the less rather be prepared than having to search for family and friends that got swept away by storm water or being killed by debris as a result of severe flooding. You might think that your'e not going to go through all the above "drama" to safeguard your family. That is your decision but I prefer to be prepared than looking others in the eye for assistance.

Finally: The SAWDOS do not propagate a major disaster in the next few days, but cannot rule out severe weather and flooding should Irina continue on its current track. Personally I like to be prepared if I know that a storm can cause damage or threatens the lives of my family. At least I did everything possible and can I live with a clear conscious if the worst should happen. Take care and be prepared.

- SAWDOS/Wiki Answers.com