A depressing byproduct of global climate change is moreand more powerful hurricanes.
But it’s possible for you to keep yourself safer if you follow a few simple steps.
Where are the safest places to be during a hurricane?
Hurricanes are not entirely predictable, but theyre slow enough that evacuation is usually possible.
Dont be prideful; track storms while theyre far away and get out of Dodge if youre in danger.
(Information on how to track hurricanes is below.)
Go to a designated shelter:Sometimes residents are ordered to shelters as hurricanes approach.
If the civic authorities tell you to go to one, do it.
An official shelter will almost definitely be safer than your house.
Save yourself, not your lawn furniture.
Stay away from windows.
Dont look out the windows during a hurricane.
The storms winds can turn the glass in your windows to flying daggers of death in an instant.
Go to a small, interior room: The safest part of your house is the middle.
It could be a hallway, a bathroom, a pantry, etc.
Wherever you hunker down, see to it there are no heavy objects above you that could fall.
Youre probably just in the eye of the hurricane and the high winds will probably pick up again.
Listen to your radio and wait for local officials to say its OK to go outside.
Youll know if it’s crucial that you evacuate or whether its safer to stay put.
Theres no need to sign up; just verify your phones are updated and charged.
Its not a bad idea to check with your local emergency management or public safety office either.
you might also receive alerts and warnings directly from the National Weather Servicewith a NOAA Weather Radio.
Do your best to confirm everyone in the family is able to get warnings and alertsnot just you.
What is the difference between a hurricane advisory, watch, and warning?
Warnings arent much help if you dont know what they mean.
Hurricane watch: NWS issues this when there is a possible hurricane within the next 48 hours.
Double check your emergency supplies and go-bag in case you oughta hunker down or evacuate.
Hurricane warning: The NWS issues this when it expects a hurricane within the next 36 hours.
Do everything listed in the Watch section, then prepare to evacuate if told to do so.
These warnings may very well secure your life, so take them seriously.
Designate a meet-up place for everyone in case you get separated.
ensure everyone in your family has one.
If you dont have one put together, do your best to throw one together now.
see to it your evacuation plan accounts for everyone in your household, including pets.
If authorities tell you to evacuate, do so immediately.
That means reinforcing doors and protecting windows.
If you dont, wind can literally rip off your roof or cause your walls to collapse.
Or at the very least, wreck the inside of your house.
All windows, skylights, and sliding glass doors should be covered.
Plywood is the cheapest option, but it has to be installed properly.
DO NOT tape your windows in hopes of protecting them.
confirm your trees are trimmed to avoid branches smashing into your home.
Unplug electronics and be sure to shut off all propane tanks.
Last but not least, get your home and property ready for potential flooding.
What to do after a hurricane
The danger isnt over when the winds stop blowing.
Here are some things to remember after a hurricane ends.
Stay out of floodwater: Dont walk or drive in a flooded street.
Dont think it would be funny to take your paddle board out.
That water is likely rife with dangerous chemicals, human and animal waste, and probably cholera.
Do not go near damaged buildings: Storm-damaged structures can collapse.
Beware of downed power lines: Powerful winds can knock over power lines and power lines can electrocute you.
Dont run it inside or CO2 might kill you.
Do not feed them, pet them, or do anything but call authorities.
