How to Stay Safe During a Hurricane

Keep up to date on what’s going on outside.

• Listen to the radio or TV for emergency information and updates about the storm, where it’s going, and what to do.

Brave the storm by hunkering down.

• Close the storm shutters on your windows and bring outdoor furniture, toys, pots, or other objects inside.
• Seek shelter from high winds in a designated storm shelter or interior room of your home.
• Make sure your cell phone is charged and don’t use it except for serious emergencies.
• If you lose power, unplug or turn off all major appliances to reduce the chances of damage due to a power surge.
• If it looks like your home may be in the way of a flood, turn off your electricity at the main breaker.
• If you are trapped in your home by flooding, go to the highest level available — but not an enclosed attic because you could become trapped.
• Use battery-operated flashlights, not candles.

Protect yourself and your loved ones.

• Avoid going outside unless officials announce that the storm has officially passed. The “calm” part of a storm can be deceiving and can pass quickly, leaving you outside during intense and dangerous winds.
• Do not try to walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. It takes only six inches of fast-moving water to take you off your feet, and one foot of water to sweep away a vehicle.[1]
• If you need to evacuate, pack only necessary supplies, including masks, hand sanitizer, wipes, medications, and a two-day supply of food and water.