Hurricane Safety Tips

A hurricane can be a devastating and terrifying experience, but these hurricane safety tips are designed to help individuals and families minimize potential hazards, damage and injuries.

A hurricane is a severe storm that forms over water with high winds circulating in counterclockwise bands around a central eye. As devastating as those winds can be, however, they are only one source of potential damage that these deadly storms can bring: Hurricanes are also responsible for heavy rains, flooding, tidal surges, severe thunderstorms and tornados. These meteorological events can occur even if the storm does not officially make landfall, which makes proper preparation essential for anyone in a potential hurricane strike zone.

The official United States hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, though storms have occurred outside these dates on rare occasions. The most active period for hurricane formation is from mid-August through mid-September. While any state with oceanic coastline is vulnerable to hurricanes, the most frequently affected areas include Florida, Louisiana, Texas and the Carolinas. Nevertheless, hurricanes can have erratic paths, and anyone in a danger zone is advised to investigate different hurricane safety procedures to protect themselves, their family and their possessions.

Despite the immense damage that hurricanes can inflict, the best part of the storms is their predictability. Unlike tornados, earthquakes, landslides and other quick natural disasters, weather forecasters can frequently track hurricanes for days before the storms become an imminent threat. This gives individuals ample warning to help protect themselves, and many precautions can be taken long before any storms form.

Many large safety tasks can be completed long before hurricane season begins, and following these tips can help individuals avoid rushing or forgetting essential tasks:

• Map potential evacuation routes in all directions away from the coast, and learn about available hotels that can meet individual needs such as accessibility, pet-friendliness and long-term stays.
• Learn where local storm shelters are located and what supplies will and will not be provided.
• Ensure your home and other building structures meet hurricane building codes.
• Purchase hurricane shutters or plywood to cover windows, glass doors and other weak spots.
• Verify that insurance policies are adequate to cover potential damage, including flooding and water damage.
• Create a record of valuable possessions and store it in a secure location such as bank deposit box or with a trusted friend or relative outside the hurricane danger zone.
• Obtain copies of necessary important papers, including birth certificates, business licenses and insurance policies.
• Prune trees and other plants so they are not close enough to structures to cause inadvertent damage.
• Clean rain gutters, replace damaged shingles and perform other household maintenance to prepare for hurricane season.
• Create an emergency hurricane kit stocked with non-perishable items such as flashlights, canned food, games, books, a first aid kit, portable radio, generator and other necessities.

When hurricane watches and warnings are issued, it is time to begin more urgent preparations to weather the storm, and these hurricane safety tips can help:

• Gas up all vehicles.
• Withdraw extra cash from bank accounts and print out updated financial statements.
• Secure hurricane shutters and plywood.
• Tie down saplings, lawn furniture and other outdoor fixtures that cannot be taken inside.
• Store all outdoor toys, bird feeders, tools and other items in a locked shed, garage or other secure location.
• Stock up on nonperishable food, bottled water and essential medications.
• Add perishable items such as medications and food to the hurricane emergency kit.
• Make arrangements for pets to be boarded in safe locations or prepare safety kits for them.
• Cover pools, outdoor vehicles and other items with securely fastened tarps to minimize damage.
• Advise concerned family members and friends about your preparations and give them emergency contact information if available.
• Prepare a safe location in an interior, ground floor room with few or no windows to wait out the storm.

A hurricane can last for several hours depending on the storm’s size and how it is approaching. During the storm, electricity may be cut off and other problems can occur, but these safety tips can help make the wait as the storm passes more comfortable.

• Stay calm and relaxed as the storm passes.
• Stay indoors at all times, even as the eye passes, because flying debris and unexpected wind gusts can be dangerous.
• Keep updated by watching weather forecasts, news coverage, or listening to the radio if possible.
• Keep children calm by playing games or pursuing normal activities as much as possible.
• As the storm intensifies, stay in the safe room and away from windows or other dangerous spots.
• Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting and avoid opening it as much as possible.
• Minimize telephone use and other electronic diversions that could carry lightning strikes.

After the hurricane has passed the sense of relief can be overwhelming, but additional caution is necessary to avoid dangerous situations from the storm’s damage.

• Tend to all first aid needs immediately.
• Keep telephone lines clear for emergency services.
• Stay home and avoid travel to keep roads open for emergency vehicles.
• If evacuation was necessary, return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
• Keep pets and children in safe areas.
• Do not enter severely damaged buildings until they have been inspected.
• Report downed power lines immediately and stay clear of them.
• Avoid overexertion that can lead to heat stroke, exhaustion and other injuries.
• Use stored food and water if other supplies have been contaminated.
• Be patient – it may take hours or days to restore services after a severe storm, but officials are working as fast as possible to help citizens resume their lives.

A hurricane can be a devastating event, but by following proper hurricane safety tips, it is possible to minimize damage and disruption from even the fiercest storms.

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