High Winds in San Bernardino – How to Prepare

San Bernardino and Riverside Counties are no stranger to high wind advisories and this week was no exception. The National Weather Service said the two-county region would experience sustained winds of 20-30 miles per hour and gusts of up to 55 miles per hour. While this is not the most extreme the region has felt, it doesn’t mean people should take it lightly.

We spoke to Hurricane Preparedness expert, Haskell Moore to find out what people can do to be better prepared for high wind events.

“The biggest potential threat from wind gusts of 50 to 60 miles per hour is the potential from flying debris, like trampolines, tarps anything that can catch the wind,” said Moore.

Moore went on to say that any domestic animals should be brought inside for their safety and that flying debris is also a significant hazard.

“The most likely problem for people in the area is power outages which are an inconvenience if you are prepared for it but potentially a greater threat if you are not.”

To be prepared Moore says you should:

• Have battery powered sources of light and extra batteries (Haskell Moore personally uses Maglite products)
• A rechargeable power bar for mobile phones
• Have plenty of bottled water and some non-perishable food
• A way to preserve temperature sensitive medications such as a cooler/ice chest

“Be especially cautious when driving in the vicinity of high-profile vehicles such as big-rigs as they can be blown out of their lane or even toppled over by high winds causing accidents,” said Moore. He added “if you can stay off the road during the event do so.”

Haskell Moore is the author of “Hurricane Preparedness for the Home and Family”. In his book, Moore emphasizes a “preparedness mindset” that walks you through how making to-do lists and shopping lists are the first and most important step to getting ready for a hurricane. The book is based on Moore’s first-hand experience in dealing with hurricanes, tropical storms, and floods.  Having lived in the Houston, Texas region since 1973, he’s experienced Hurricanes Alicia and Ike, Tropical Storms Allison and Harvey (and the subsequent flooding from both), and the agonizingly long evacuation during Hurricane Rita.