Physical Survival During a Hurricane
The Hurricane has arrived. Hopefully you gave yourself ample time to prepare to flee or shelter in place. You have food and clean drinking water, your cell phone is fully charged and emergency alerts are enabled, you have a fully stocked emergency kit, and have plenty of cash to use during and after the hurricane. Whether you fled or sheltered in place, here are some ideas to consider to help ensure you and your family's safety during the hurricane:
Flee The Hurricane: The Hurricane is here and you are executing your evacuation plan. What else do you need to be aware of while you are escaping the anger of the hurricane?
- Listen to NOAA weather radio, local warning system announcements, and other emergency broadcasts on your emergency radio, cell phone, or satellite communications device (ex. Starlink)
- Follow recommended evacuation routes and stay together with friends and family if possible. Do not take short cuts as they may be blocked by traffic jams or damage due to the hurricane.
- Never drive or walk through flood waters. If flood waters begin rising around your car, abandon car and move to higher ground immediately. But remember, even an inch of water can sweep you off your feet and a foot of water can wash a car away. Move quickly before waters rise too high.
- If driving during heavy rain, safely exit road to higher elevation if possible, stay in car, and turn on emergency flashers
- Watch out for hazards on road such as washed out bridges and downed power lines
Shelter in Place: The Hurricane is here and you have decided to shelter in place. What else do you need to be aware of while you are experiencing the anger of the hurricane?
- Listen to NOAA weather radio, local warning system announcements, and other emergency broadcasts on your emergency radio, cell phone, or satellite communications device (ex. Starlink)
- Shelter in your emergency room designed to protect you in the event of a hurricane if one is available. Else, shelter in an interior room in the lowest floor of the house that is not prone to flooding. If flooding occurs, shelter in highest floor of the house, excluding attic or other room from which no escape is possible. If absolutely necessary, escape to roof and call for help. A good thing to have at this point in time is an emergency flare to signal help when it arrives.
- Stay away from electric lines and cords inside the house
- Stay away from windows, external doors, and glass structures
- If flooding is imminent, turn off power and get ready to move food and water with you and make sure you have your cell phone or other means of communications with you as you seek higher ground
- Keep valuables and important documents with you in waterproof container
- Turn off utilities if instructed to do so by civil authorities
- If electrical power is lost, turn off appliances, lights, and HVAC to avoid power surges upon electricity being restored
- Fill bathtub and other large containers with water for sanitary purposes