Safety Tips to Prepare for A Hurricane

UPDATED: FEBRUARY 2022

Hurricanes are enormous storm systems formed over warm waters and progress towards land. Many complications caused by hurricanes often include heavy downpour, high winds, coastal and inland flooding, power outages and much more. Measures can be taken before hurricane season is in effect to increase your hurricane preparedness. Learn how to prepare for a hurricane with a few hurricane safety tips below.

IF A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT, FIND SAFE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY

• Assess your immediate surroundings and determine a need for immediate evacuation, medical attention, or for any safe shelter.
• Look out for any designated storm shelters, state and federal government agencies often have hurricane preparations in the event of a pending or ongoing hurricanes.
• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through moving water.
• Always listen for emergency information and alerts. In the U.S. this information may come from the National Weather Service.

STORM SURGES

A storm surge is water from the ocean that is moved toward the shore by the high winds. Storm surges come in burst and is the main cause of coastal and inland flooding. At times, waters may reach over 15 or more feet pushing water miles inland engendering both property and livelihoods. 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A HURRICANE

It is always advisable to be prepared for any emergency or disaster scenario. If a hurricane is pending landfall, try and prepare yourself with necessities such as safe shelter, a supply of food & water, medicine, and even emergency power.

• Know the general area that the hurricane will travel.
• Listen for emergency information and alerts.
• Create a plan, based on your immediate location and or community plans, have a backup plan for evacuation, transportation, and sheltering in place.
• Gather supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person's specific needs within your group (i.e. Medicine, Medical Supply and Machines, Nutritional Limitations, important documents and etc...).
• Have a source of backup power to power essential appliances or medical devices. 

HOW TO USE A GENERATOR DURING AN OUTAGE

A hurricane or less severe tropical storm could cause a power outage. Having a portable source of power or a home backup generator is the most ideal situation during a power outage. A generator can improve your situation in a variety of ways:

• For home backup generators, depending on its available wattage; one may be able to maintain power at the residence and keep essential appliances running such as: medical equipment, freezers, emergency lighting, and much more.
• An inverter generator may be just as ideal because of its size and mobility. Being one of the more compact forms of portable power, an inverter generator will be able to provide power for common necessities such as charging your phone for emergency contact and even light appliances.
• Portable generators are solid units between both inverter and home backup units. Portable generators may often provide more power than inverter generators but in a smaller package in comparison to the latter.

PRACTICING GENERATOR SAFETY

• To prevent emissions from drifting indoors, always place your portable generator as far as possible away from the doors and windows.
• Try and point the generator exhaust away from any nearby people and place it downwind from your location.
• Carbon monoxide detectors will alert your family before toxic levels are reached. Be sure that your alarm is in working order.
• Know your carbon monoxide safety rules. Never use generators indoors, incorrect usage can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. If you start to feel sick or lightheaded while the generator is in use, get to fresh air as soon as possible. For immediate assistance please contact your local emergency services.

Remember, when using a generator of any kind; it is important that you Take It Outside™. Learn more on how to properly run your generator.

Read our article on how to run your generator