at home or after evacuating
STAYING SAFE DURING THE STORM
As the hurricane rages, safety becomes your top priority—whether you’re riding out the storm at home or have evacuated to a safer location. The choices you make during the storm can greatly impact your well-being, so it’s essential to stay informed and follow local guidance. In this section, we’ll walk you through what to do if you’ve decided to shelter in place and how to stay safe if you’ve evacuated. No matter where you are, staying calm and focused on safety is key to getting through the storm safely.
For Those Riding Out the Storm at Home
If you’ve chosen to stay home during the hurricane, it’s essential to remain inside for the duration of the storm. The safest place in your home is an interior, windowless room on the lowest floor, like a bathroom, closet, or hallway. Make sure you’re far from windows, skylights, or glass doors, as flying debris can break through these and cause serious injury. Stay put in this designated safe space until the storm has completely passed, even if the winds seem to calm down—sometimes, the eye of the storm can create a false sense of safety.
Prepare for power outages. Keep flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, and a portable radio nearby. Resist the temptation to use candles, as they can be a fire hazard. Conserve your phone’s battery by limiting non-essential use, and rely on your battery-powered radio for important updates from local authorities.
Throughout the storm, it’s important to stay calm. Keep yourself and your family distracted by playing games, reading, or engaging in quiet activities. If you have young children or pets, offer comfort and keep them close to maintain a sense of safety. And above all, avoid going outside—even during the storm’s eye—since conditions can worsen again without warning.
By staying inside and taking these precautions, you’re reducing your risk of injury and ensuring that you’re ready for the storm’s aftermath.
For Those Who Have Evacuated
If you’ve evacuated, your priority is to stay safe in your designated location, whether it’s a shelter, a hotel, or a friend’s home outside the storm’s path. Remain where you are until local authorities give the all-clear to return. Even if conditions seem to improve, it’s crucial to wait for official guidance before heading back, as roads may be blocked or unsafe, and the storm could still pose dangers.
While waiting, keep informed by monitoring local weather updates via your phone, radio, or any available news outlets. Make sure you’re aware of any changes to the storm’s path or instructions from emergency services. If you’re in a shelter, follow all guidelines and rules from shelter staff for your safety and the safety of others around you.
Be prepared for extended stays. Ensure you have access to essential supplies, such as food, water, medications, and important documents. Keep your go-bag ready in case conditions change, and you need to relocate again. If you evacuated with pets, make sure they are secure and have everything they need, including food and water, to remain calm during the storm.
Patience is key. It’s natural to want to return home quickly, but waiting for the official green light ensures that you’re not putting yourself or your family in harm’s way. Keep in touch with family or friends to let them know you’re safe, and take comfort in knowing that you’ve made the right choice by evacuating to a safer location.
Health and Safety Considerations
During a hurricane, keeping yourself and your family safe goes beyond sheltering from the storm—it also means staying healthy and addressing any minor injuries or concerns as they arise. If anyone in your household sustains a minor injury, use your first-aid kit to handle cuts, scrapes, or bruises. If you’re dealing with more serious injuries or medical needs, it’s important to wait for emergency personnel rather than attempting to leave your safe space during the storm.
Managing stress and anxiety during the hurricane is also crucial. The constant noise, fear of the unknown, and confined space can heighten stress levels, especially for children or pets. Try calming techniques like deep breathing exercises, listening to music, or playing quiet games to help distract from the storm. Reassure children by keeping them close and explaining the situation in simple, comforting terms.
If you’ve evacuated to a shelter, maintaining hygiene and comfort is essential. Shelters may be crowded, so try to keep personal items like hygiene supplies (hand sanitizer, wipes) handy. Make sure everyone in your group is keeping hydrated and fed, and check in on each other’s well-being throughout the storm.
Whether you’re at home or in a shelter, prioritize health and safety by staying calm, treating minor injuries, and helping everyone in your group stay as comfortable as possible during these challenging conditions.
Vehicle Safety for Evacuees
If you’ve evacuated by vehicle, ensuring the safety of your car is essential during the hurricane. Make sure your vehicle is parked in a safe location, preferably away from low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. Parking on higher ground, in a covered area, or next to a sturdy building can provide extra protection from the elements and flying debris. Avoid parking under trees or near power lines, as these can easily fall during the storm and cause damage to your vehicle.
Conserve fuel whenever possible. Depending on the severity of the hurricane, gas stations may be closed or out of fuel for a few days, so it’s important to have enough gas in your tank for any post-storm travel. If you’re sheltering in your car, turn the engine off as much as possible and use it only for brief periods to charge your phone or keep warm.
Keep an eye on weather updates and road conditions through local news or apps, but wait for the official all-clear before attempting to drive. After the storm, roads could be blocked by debris, flooded, or otherwise dangerous, so it’s important not to move your vehicle until authorities confirm it’s safe to do so.
By parking safely, conserving fuel, and staying patient, you’ll ensure your vehicle is ready when it’s time to return home or continue your journey after the storm.
Follow Official Guidance
During a hurricane, your safety depends heavily on staying informed and following the instructions provided by local authorities and emergency services. Whether you’re at home or in a shelter, always listen to updates from trusted sources, such as local news stations, weather alerts, and emergency officials. These sources will provide critical information about the storm’s path, changing conditions, and any new evacuation or safety orders.
If you’ve been instructed to evacuate, do so immediately. Delaying or ignoring evacuation orders can put you and your family in serious danger as conditions worsen. Likewise, if you’re advised to stay indoors and shelter in place, resist the urge to venture outside, even if things appear to calm down. The storm’s eye can create a temporary lull, but dangerous winds and rain can return suddenly.
Avoid taking unnecessary risks, such as driving on flooded roads or attempting to return home before the all-clear is given. Official guidance is designed to protect you from unseen hazards like downed power lines, contaminated floodwaters, or impassable roads. Remember that emergency services may be delayed or limited during the height of the storm, so it’s essential to follow instructions closely to avoid putting yourself in harm’s way.
Staying informed and adhering to local directives ensures the best chance of safety for you and your family during the hurricane.
Conclusion
As the storm rages on, your safety is the top priority. Whether you’re sheltering at home or have evacuated to a safer location, the actions you take now can make all the difference. By staying informed, following official guidance, and focusing on your health and well-being, you’re ensuring the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones.
Remember, hurricanes can be unpredictable, but with preparation and a calm, focused mindset, you can weather the storm safely. Stay where it’s safe, listen to the authorities, and take comfort in knowing that you’ve done everything possible to protect yourself and your family.
