Safety tips for the hurricane season

Safety tips for the hurricane season

With the hurricane season heavy upon us, prevention is more important than ever. 

These are the do’s and dont’s of hurricane season 

Before the hurricane

  • Teach family members how and when to turn off the gas, electricity, and water supply.
  • Teach children how and when to call the police or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

During a hurricane watch

(A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is a threat of a hurricane within 24 to 36 hours.)

  • Listen to reports of the hurricane’s progress on a battery-operated radio or television.
  • Check emergency supplies.
  • Bring in all objects that are outside, such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools, and secure all objects that you can’t bring inside.
  • Secure buildings by closing and boarding windows. Remove the outside antennas.
  • Put the refrigerator and freezer on the coldest temperature. Open them only when absolutely necessary and close them quickly.
  • Store valuables and personal documents in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
  •  Clear drainages and trash from the streets, to avoid flooding and blockages. 
  • Get plenty of water and food supplies, as well as indispensable articles and canned food. 

During the Hurricane Warning

A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles per hour or greater, or dangerously high rough water and surf) are expected in 24 hours or less.

  • Constantly listen to the radio or television for official instructions.
  • Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
  • Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries on hand. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps as a light source.
  • If power is interrupted, turn off major appliances to reduce voltage variations when power is restored.
  • Keep pets safe and create an evacuation plan for them as well.

If authorities indicate that an evacuation is necessary:

  • Get out as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads.
  • Secure your home by unplugging electrical appliances and turning off the electricity and main water valve.
  • Tell someone who is not in the storm area and where you plan to go.
  • If weather permits and you live in an identified flood zone, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding, or better yet, move it to a higher floor or location.

After the hurricane

  • Tune in to local radio stations to hear information.
  • Help injured or trapped people.
  • Administer first aid when appropriate if you have been trained to do so.
  • Return home only after the authorities advise you that there is no danger.
  • Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company, police or fire department.
  • Enter your home with caution. Watch out for snakes, insects, and animals washed up on higher ground by floodwaters.
  • Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
  • Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents, for insurance claims (if you have insurance).
  • Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads.
  • Use the phone for emergency calls only.