Hurricane 2018: During the Storm
The greatest threat to personal safety exists during a storm and in the immediate aftermath when high winds can topple trees and produce deadly flying debris. Heavy rain can produce flash floods and storm surge can present an other deadly threat. To stay safe in a home during a hurricane.
It is suggested that individuals follow these steps:
- Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Find a safe area in the home (an interior room, a closet or bathroom on the lower level).
- If flooding threatens a home, turn off electricity at the main breaker.
- If a home loses power, turn off major appliances such as the air conditioner and water heater to reduce damage.
- Do not use electrical appliances, including your computer.
- Do not go outside. If the eye of the storm passes over your area, there will be a short period of calm, but at the other side of the eye, the wind speed rapidly increases to hurricane force and will come from the opposite direction. Also, do not go outside to see “what the wind feels like.” It is too easy to be hit by flying debris.
- Beware of lightning. Stay away from electrical equipment. Don’t use the phone or take a bath/shower during the storm.
