Physical Survival After a Hurricane

The Hurricane has passed. You are eager to get your life back on track. Whether you fled or sheltered in place, you have some immediate concerns. In many cases, flooding caused by an intense rainstorm or by the hurricane itself can pose a significant threat to your safety. Tornadoes spawned by the hurricane can pop up unexpectedly and without warning. Here are some other important considerations to make in the aftermath of the hurricane:

• Observe recommendations made by local, state, and federal authorities concerning your return home or emergence from sheltering in place. Premature action on your part could present additional hazards and impede emergency response efforts.
• Electricity and gas should be turned off upon returning home or emerging from sheltering in place to avoid electrocution and fire.
• Maintaining proper body temperature is especially important to the elderly, youngsters, and those with medical considerations. Make sure the environment they return to supports these needs.
• Cell phones and landlines will be running at full or near full capacity with emergency response calls. Utilize texts and online messaging when possible.
• Have alternate sources of communications available. Starlink, ham radio, walkie-talkies, emergency weather/news radio, and other forms of emergency communication are hopefully available.
• Be aware. Flood waters have the potential to hide a manhole, swimming pool, or other unknown body of water and may result in drowning. Do not walk or drive through flood waters.
• Be aware. Flood waters may contain harmful bacteria, oil, hazardous materials, or other contaminants that can cause illness, injury, or death if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed. Do not walk or drive through flood waters.
• Use a stick to poke through debris. Watch out for snakes, wild animals, and deep water.
• Wear protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, helmets, and boots while cleaning up debris.

You have emerged from sheltering in place or returned home. Your primary concerns now include food, water, shelter rebuild/restore, re-establish communications, and access finances.

Food: You are hungry! The Hurricane has knocked out the power and your food is spoiled and contaminated. Maybe the flooding prevents you from getting to the market. Your local gas station or convenience store has sold out of candy bars, doughnuts, potato chips, and soft drinks. What can you do to provide for your nutritional needs? Learn more about Survival Food Sources.

Water: You are thirsty! The Hurricane has knocked out the public water system. The flooding prevents you from getting to the government provided water buffalo and to bottled water handout sites. What can you do to provide for your clean drinking water requirements? Learn more about Survival Water Sources.

Shelter:

Communications:

Financial: