Hurricane Dos and Don’ts: What to Do If You’re Caught in a Tropical Storm

Hurricanes are among the most fearsome natural disasters on the planet and can be quite intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to do during a hurricane.

According to the National Weather Service, about five hurricanes have hit the U.S. coastline, killing an estimated 50 to 100 people from Texas to Maine. Knowing how to handle a hurricane is essential, no matter where you live.

Read on for hurricane safety do’s and don’ts.

To do :

Understanding the difference between a watch and a warning.

The media, through the National Weather Service, typically issues tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings to inform viewers of potential, upcoming, and dangerous weather conditions. You’ve probably seen the words “tornado watch” or “tropical storm warning” on your television screen, but what does it mean?

A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours, Mass.gov reported. A tropical storm watch is issued when tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.

Warnings are a bit more serious. Hurricane warnings mean that sustained winds of 74 mph or greater associated with a hurricane are expected to affect an area within 24 hours. A tropical storm warning means that sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are associated with a tropical storm that is expected to affect an area within 24 hours.

Stay informed.

It is important to stay informed about media updates on storm status in your area. Pay attention to alerts you may receive on your phone and any public safety information shared before, during, and after the storm.

Know your area.

It is imperative to know if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone. This will impact how you respond to a tropical storm. Check the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood maps to determine if you are in a flood or high-risk area. You can find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone on your state government’s website. If you are in a flood or hurricane evacuation zone, prepare to evacuate.

Prepare for power outages.

Power outages are likely during a hurricane, so make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries. If you live in a flood or hurricane evacuation zone, it may be worth purchasing a generator to provide power during an outage. If you already have one, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using it safely before an outage.

Not to do :

To drive.

This may seem obvious, but it’s important to note that driving during a hurricane is not safe. According to Deployed Resources, flash flooding can happen quickly, and it only takes six inches of water to lift a car off the ground. Additionally, heavy rain and wind can make visibility extremely difficult.

Go outside.

As with the previous tip, stay indoors during a hurricane. It’s easy to get hit and injured by debris, and lightning is common during a tropical storm. Wait until weather officials give you the all-clear to ride out the storm.

Forgetting to turn off devices.

If the power goes out during a hurricane, turn off all major appliances in your home, such as your water heater and air conditioner, to prevent possible damage. Flooding and electricity don’t mix, so be sure to locate the main circuit breaker and turn it off for your safety.

Use a generator indoors.

If you use a generator, do not use it indoors and make sure it is as far away from any open windows or doors in your home as possible. Using a generator indoors can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide, which can endanger everyone in your home, including your pets. Do not use charcoal grills or propane camping stoves indoors for the same reason.