what to do after a hurricane to stay safe

What to do after a hurricane to stay safe?

• Find your loved ones.
• Don't go home until it's safe.
• Document the damage.
• Contact your insurance company.
• Apply for assistance.
• Stay out of the water.
• Prevent further damage.
• Listen to local clean up news and advisories.

Full Answer

How much warning do you have before a hurricane?

Experts announce hurricane watches 48 hours before they expect tropical-storm-force winds (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) to start. A hurricane warning is more serious. It means hurricane-force winds are expected in a stated area. Experts issue these warnings 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected in the area to give people enough time to prepare for the storm.

What to do immediately after a hurricane?

Immediately After the Storm Stay inside until the storm has completely passed. It is critically important that you do not attempt to go outside until the winds have calmed down significantly. Keep in mind, that unlike the start of the storm, there is now a ton of debris out there that can fly around a lot more easily. This is where keeping your battery operated radio functional is important ...

Why you should evacuate ahead of a hurricane?

Why you should evacuate before a hurricane? Hurricanes are some of the most devastating natural forces on Earth, which is why it is never too early to plan for an evacuation that could save your life. Staying behind can put you at the risk of a hurricane’s wrath, which includes storm surge, tornadoes, flooding and damaging winds.

What effects should you expect from a hurricane?

• Roof damage – shingles, tiles, gutters, etc. damaged
• Some trees snapping and breaking
• Heavy rain and flooding

What should you do immediately after a hurricane is over?

After a HurricaneContinue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.Once home, drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.More items...

How can you stay safe before during and after a hurricane?

What to do before a Hurricane StrikesBe informed by receiving alerts, warnings, and public safety information before, during, and after emergencies.Know Your Zone. ... Find out whether your property is in a flood-prone or high-risk area. ... Create and review your family emergency plan. ... Assemble an emergency kit.More items...

What are 5 Survival Tips for hurricanes?

5 Hurricane Safety Tips to Stay Safe During the StormStay Inside & Away From Windows. ... Stay in Tune with Local and National Alerts. ... Be Ready to Turn Off Main Energy Sources. ... Use Hurricane Equipment Carefully. ... Beware of Water Coming into Your Home.

What happens after a hurricane?

Even after the storm passes, there are many additional hazards that can harm you. Many people are injured or killed walking or driving around after the storm. Live power lines, gas leaks, dangling tree branches, flooding, damaged roadways and dangerous wildlife (e.g. snakes, alligators) can be life-threatening.

How do you stay safe in bad weather?

GET DOWN - Get underground if possible. If you cannot, go to the lowest floor possible. COVER UP - Flying and falling debris are a storm's number one killer. Use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets, etc to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris.

What are 10 things you need to survive a hurricane?

10 Things You Need For A Hurricane Survival KitExtra Clothes.Battery Operated Radio.Ready To Eat Food.First Aid Kit.Water.Flashlight.Safety Whistle.Phone.More items...•

Where is the safest place to be during a hurricane?

Go to a safe area, such as an interior room, closet or downstairs bathroom. Never go outside the protection of your home or shelter before there is confirmation that the storm has passed the area. The eye of the storm could create a temporary and deceptive lull, with high winds still approaching.

What should I put in a hurricane kit?

Basic Disaster Supplies KitWater (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.Flashlight.First aid kit.Extra batteries.Whistle (to signal for help)More items...•

What should you do before a hurricane to prepare?

Make a plan If evacuation is necessary, turn off all utilities and follow community disaster preparedness plans. Select a common meeting place or single point-of-contact for all family members. If you have pets, have a plan for their evacuation as well.

What should you do before during and after a natural disaster?

What Should I Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake?Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home.Learn first aid.Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity.Make up a plan of where to meet your family after an earthquake.More items...

What should you do during a hurricane?

Stay indoors during the hurricane 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.

What should we do before during and after a flood?

What To Do Before, During, and After a FloodBuild an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.More items...

How to stay safe during a flood?

Be careful around debris or damaged buildings. Don’t walk or drive through flood waters. Follow the CDC’s advice to stay safe during clean-up.

What was the impact of Hurricane Ida?

Hurricane Ida created storm surge, flooding and tornadoes that impacted thousands of people across the country. If you or a loved one are in an affected area from major storms this year, follow these tips to return home, stay safe and get assistance where you need it.

What to do after a hurricane?

Be careful of downed trees, power lines, floodwater, and other debris. Roads can be full of danger after a hurricane or tropical storm. Be wary of floodwater: Since it’s extremely difficult to tell how deep the waters are, it’s best not to drive through them.

What to do when a hurricane passes?

It’s natural to be anxious about your home, neighborhood, and community. Still, experts say you should wait for local authorities to let you know that it’s safe before you go home.

What to do if a storm has passed?

Even if the worst of the storm has passed, lingering weather can still prove problematic. Once it’s safe to return to your property, take steps to prevent even more damage. If falling trees punctured your roof, cover any holes with a tarp to keep out rainwater. If your windows have been blown out, tape plastic sheeting over the opening. Since most insurance doesn’t cover damage sustained after the storm, this step could be crucial.

How to stay ahead of a hurricane?

Even after the hurricane or tropical storm has passed, you’ll want to stay tuned into the latest weather report. Listen to NOAA weather radio or watch the local news to stay ahead of all the latest developments. 2. Check in with family and friends in the area.

What to do if your home is damaged in a storm?

If your home has been damaged in the storm, you should notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide a general description of the damage, as well as any photographs you took of the losses.

What to wear when you have a flood?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend wearing safety gear such as heavy work gloves, waterproof boots, goggles and hard hats during disaster cleanup.

What to do if you smell gas?

If you do smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main valve and call your gas company, police department and fire department immediately. 6. Don't drink or cook with tap water. Hurricanes and tropical storms can also contaminate the tap water with the same harmful bacteria found in floodwater.

What to do if you evacuated during a storm?

Whether you evacuated or stayed in place during the storm, it is important to check your appliances and other pieces of equipment after the storm concludes. If you decided to turn off all your appliances for safety measures, make sure you do not turn them all back on at once. Doing this might significantly damage certain pieces of equipment, especially if they are sensitive.

What to do if you evacuated your property?

If you evacuated your property to stay out of the storm’s path , you must be properly informed before you make the trek home. Before you hit the road, check and make sure that the local authorities have declared your area safe. If your neighborhood or community is still considered unsafe, stay where you are and do not leave yet.

What happens if you lose power during a hurricane?

If you lost power during the storm, check your fridge after the power comes back on. Without power in your fridge, there is a good chance that some of the food inside has gone bad.

Can you drink tap water after a hurricane?

After the conclusion of the hurricane, you should avoid using tap water for the time being. Hurricanes create massive floods, and the large bodies of water that form are likely contaminated from the array of objects they carry. That contaminated water may end up in your tap water, and you could get seriously ill from drinking it.

What to do after a storm?

Drink plenty of non-sugary, non-caffeinated, and non-alcoholic fluids throughout the day, but especially when working in the heat. Rest and take breaks when needed . Ask for help when the task it too big for you to handle. Be ware of raw sewage, standing flood waters, insects and wildlife. Use insect repellent. Wash your hands often and use antibacterial hand sanitizer. Use caution with cleaning chemicals; never mix bleach with ammonia.

What to do if it's too bad to stay?

If it's too bad to stay, leave or seek help elsewhere.

How long does it take for Florida State University to recover from a hurricane?

Depending on the severity of the storm, it can take the University months to years to fully and completely recover after a significant disaster. Florida State University is still managing some FEMA claims from 2004 and 2005, up to ten years later.

How to contact FEMA for storm damage?

Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or register online.

How to be safe in a dangerous area?

When as safe as possible, take a look around your immediate area to make sure there are no continuing hazards such as live power lines, gas leaks, etc. If a hazardous condition exists, flee that area immediately. Seek a safer location elsewhere. Know where shut-off valves are for electricity, natural gas and water are and turn them off if needed.

What are the dangers of playing in flood waters?

However, they are many hidden dangers present. There could be raw sewage, hazardous chemicals, bacteria, dangerous wildlife, and underwater hazards that could severely injure or kill you.

What happens after a storm?

Even after the storm passes, there are many additional hazards that can harm you. Many people are injured or killed walking or driving around after the storm. Live power lines, gas leaks, dangling tree branches, flooding, damaged roadways and dangerous wildlife (e.g. snakes, alligators) can be life-threatening.

What to Do During a Hurricane?

First, evacuate if you are directed to do so or if you feel it might be unsafe to remain in your home. If you remain in your home, follow these tips to help you and your family stay safe during the storm:

What to do after a storm?

After it is confirmed by authorities that the storm has passed and it is safe to go outdoors, you can begin to assess any potential damage to your home and property. Follow these tips after the storm is over: If you were evacuated, return home only after authorities advise it is safe to do so. Avoid downed power lines.

How to evacuate during a storm?

First, evacuate if you are directed to do so or if you feel it might be unsafe to remain in your home. If you remain in your home, follow these tips to help you and your family stay safe during the storm: 1 Use a portable radio to listen to important storm updates, information and instructions. 2 Stay inside and keep away from all windows, skylights and glass doors. Go to a safe area, such as an interior room, closet or downstairs bathroom. 3 Never go outside the protection of your home or shelter before there is confirmation that the storm has passed the area. The eye of the storm could create a temporary and deceptive lull, with high winds still approaching. 4 If power is lost, keep the refrigerator closed to keep cold air trapped and delay spoilage of perishable food. 5 If you use a portable generator, follow all the manufacturer’s instructions. Generators should be properly grounded to prevent electrical shock and should never be operated indoors, in garages, basements or outdoors near any windows, doors or vents. Because generators produce carbon monoxide (CO), make sure you have a working CO detector in your home.

What to do if power is lost in a storm?

If power is lost, keep the refrigerator closed to keep cold air trapped and delay spoilage of perishable food. If you use a portable generator, follow all the manufacturer’s instructions.

What to do if your home is unsafe due to storm damage?

If you think your home might be unsafe due to storm damage, contact your insurance company to discuss finding temporary accommodations.

What is the importance of preparing for a hurricane?

Preparing your home and family before a hurricane occurs, and knowing how to react after a storm has passed, are fundamental to helping you to protect your property and keep you and your loved ones safe and secure.

How to stay safe in a house?

Stay inside and keep away from all windows, skylights and glass doors. Go to a safe area, such as an interior room, closet or downstairs bathroom.

What to do after a hurricane?

Post-Hurricane Recovery. If it’s safe to go outside, start checking your property for damage. Your most immediate need is to prevent further damage from occurring. If, for example, the roof is leaking, cover it with a tarp or other sturdy material to minimize damage to the interior of your home and your possessions.

What to do if you are walking in a storm?

If you’re walking, be vigilant to avoid tripping over debris or being hit by a weakened branch that suddenly snaps off. If you’re driving, remember that broken branches, felled trees and other objects that have been blown around during the storm can damage your car or cause an accident. Downed Power Lines.

What to do when power is out?

If your power is out, turn off most of your light switches and unplug your appliances and electronics, including your television, computer and printer. Leave one or two light switches on so that you’ll know when the power is restored. In the meantime, use flashlights, not candles, to avoid starting a fire.

What to do if you see a downed power line?

Downed Power Lines. If you see any dangling power lines or downed electrical poles, report them to your local power company and keep your distance.

How much water can knock you down?

Even just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and 12 inches can float your vehicle. In addition, water can obscure debris or a dangerous sink hole. And if the water has been charged by fallen or underground power lines, you could be electrocuted. Debris.

What to do if you can't stay in your home?

If you’re insured by The Hartford, you can call 1-800-243-5860 or visit the online claims center to file a claim.

What to do if you have a home inspection?

As soon as you’ve inspected your home and documented the issues you uncovered , contact your home insurance company to provide details about the incident and the damage.