September 27, 2021
While it is crucial to prepare in advance for an incoming hurricane or tropical storm, it is just as important to know what to do while it is happening. Follow these hurricane safety tips to stay safe in the height of the storm:
You may be curious and tempted to peek through your storm doors or step outside to check out the hurricane conditions. This is extremely unsafe. Hurricane winds can be extremely dangerous, ranging from 74 – 157+ mph depending on the hurricane category. High winds often pick up debris and create dangerous projectiles. These projectiles can cause property damage and potential fatalities. Stay inside and stay safe.
If you do want to watch the storm unfold, do so from inside and at a safe distance away from windows and glass doors.
If you lose power during a hurricane, unplug electronic devices and appliances like TVs, microwaves, and computers. If your appliances are plugged in and the power is restored to your area, you may encounter damaging power surges. Unplugging the appliances will protect them and your home from potentially devastating electrical damage.
Stay updated on the status of the weather conditions as they develop, through a reliable TV or radio news station. Make sure you have a battery-powered backup radio or some other way of receiving news in the event that your power goes out. This will keep you informed about what to expect and alert you if there is a need to evacuate at any point.
While you have power, make sure to keep devices charged. Use them to follow news updates from local officials and emergency management notification systems, such as the FEMA mobile app.
If you notice conditions growing increasingly worse, prepare your family and pets to leave quickly if an evacuation is issued. Follow your evacuation plan and bring emergency supplies with you. Your supplies should include non-perishable food, water, pet supplies, important documents, cell phones, etc.
If you lose power during the hurricane, do not attempt to use devices like generators, charcoal or gas grills, or propane camping stoves indoors. These devices release carbon monoxide, which can be fatal if used in unventilated spaces. If you do use these devices, use them outside after the hurricane has ended and at a safe distance away from your home.
We at Providence Mutual hope that you and your family stay safe during the hurricane season and use these tips for hurricane safety to help prepare. For tips on dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane, here are our post-hurricane safety tips. To prepare in advance of the next storm, review our pre-storm tips here.
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