Safety Precautions for any Storm
Stay away from isolated objects such as trees and light posts. If you are fishing or swimming, get out of the water immediately, and move away from the body of water. Being near water is extremely dangerous during a lightning storm.
Suspend activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder. If no shelter is available, crouch low, with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. Lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly over 100 feet away. Stay away from concrete floors or walls.
Part 1 Taking Shelter and Staying Safe
- Find shelter immediately. If you find yourself caught in a lightning storm, the key to minimizing danger is to get inside a protective structure. ...
- Stay away from windows. ...
- Don't touch anything metal or electrical. ...
- Stay inside.
No. Lightning can travel through plumbing. It is best to avoid all water during a lightning storm. Do not shower, bathe, wash dishes, or wash your hands.
Ensure you do the following during a severe storm:
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- If outdoors, shelter away from drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
- Be prepared for power outages.
- Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.
- Floodwater is toxic – never play or swim in floodwater.
DURING A HURRICANE:
- Stay away from low-lying and flood prone areas.
- Always stay indoors during a hurricane, because strong winds will blow things around.
- Leave mobile homes and to go to a shelter.
- If your home isn't on higher ground, go to a shelter.
- If emergency managers say to evacuate, then do so immediately.
Hurricane safety tips: Learn what to do before, during and after...
- To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
- Know your surroundings.
- Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. ...
- Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR HURRICANES
Before a Hurricane
- Secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows and doors. A second option is to board up windows with ⅝” marine plywood—cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
- Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
- Trim trees and shrubs around your home to minimize the risk of broken branches and debris.
- Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts to prevent misdirected flooding.
- Determine how and where to secure your boat.
- Consider building a safe room.
- Keep articles in your basement elevated to avoid damage from even minor flooding.
- Buy a fire extinguisher.
- Make sure all pets have ID tags.
- Keep a well-stocked Emergency Survival Kit in case you lose power.
- Find all local emergency shelters. Know your evacuation route. Have a “to go” bag ready if needed.
- Fill plastic bottles with drinking water. Think about what you might need if you are isolated for a number of days and must endure a power outage.
- Fully fuel your vehicles.
- Download the Red Cross Emergency App for iPhone or Android. Or text: ”GETCANE” to 90999
As a Hurricane Approaches
If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:
- Stay informed by monitoring the storm via local radio, NOAA radio, TV, and internet.
- Secure your home and close storm shutters. Even awnings can be broken and picked up by strong winds and potentially become a projectile.
- Bring all lawn furniture, trash barrels, hanging plants, toys, and gardening tools inside.
- Turn off utilities if instructed by authorities to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
- Turn off propane tanks.
- Cell phone and charges. But avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
- Have a certain amount of cash available. If power is lost, ATMs may not be working.
- Moor your boat if time permits.
- Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
- Have on hand: fire extinguisher, emergency/first aid kit, prescription medicines, flashlight/batteries, blankets/sleeping bags, cooking/eating utensils, canned foods, water bottles, jumper cables, paper maps, GPS, toilet paper, toiletries, rain gear,
- Stay inside.
You should evacuate under the following conditions:
- If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
- If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes (no matter how well fastened to the ground).
- If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
- If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.
- If you feel that you are in danger.
Only return once the authorities declare it is safe. Avoid all flood waters! Never drive or walk on flooded roads.
During a Hurricane
If you are have not evacuated, go to your safe room. If you do not have a safe room, follow these guidelines:
- Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors.
- Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.
- Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm—winds will pick up again.
- Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
- Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
Recovering from Disaster
Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being.
- Let your friends know you are safe.
- Document any damage with photos.
- Do NOT drink tap water unless authorized to do so.
