How to Survive a Hurricane

Don't wait until a storm is heading your way! Survive a hurricane with these safety precautions.

Step 1: Plan ahead
Plan ahead. Know the location of local shelters and how you'll evacuate if you don't have a car. If you have family members with special medical needs, ask local officials if there's a registry so they get help in the event of power outages. Pick a place for family members to meet in case you become separated, and designate an out-of-town friend as the person everyone calls to report that they're safe. Get flood insurance if you don't already have it.

Tip
Make sure you know how to shut off electricity, gas, and water in case you're instructed to do so.

Step 2: Be prepared
Have the following supplies on hand at the start of hurricane season: a 3-day supply of water that provides 1 gallon per person per day; a 3-day supply of non-perishable food that doesn't require cooking; a flashlight and extra batteries; a battery-powered radio that can receive broadcasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; a first-aid kit; and a 7-day supply of medications.

Tip
The Atlantic and Central Pacific hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30; the Eastern Pacific is from May 15 through November.

Step 3: Get ready
If a hurricane warning is issued -- meaning one is expected in the next 36 hours -- bring in anything that can be tossed around by the wind; close and board up all windows and doors with 5/8" marine plywood, unless you have hurricane shutters; clear rain gutters and downspouts; trim trees and shrubs; put your refrigerator and freezer on the coldest setting; and fill your car's gas tank in case you're ordered to evacuate.

Step 4: Go to a safe place
If you live on the first or 2nd floor of a high rise, make plans to take refuge with neighbors between floors 3 and 10 when the storm begins. Residents who live above the 10th floor should evacuate, as should mobile home dwellers and anyone living on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.

Step 5: Do last-minute preparations
Shortly before the storm is expected to start, fill your bathtub with water so you have an extra supply on hand. Unplug small appliances and sensitive electronics, and turn off propane tanks.

Step 6: Ride out the storm
When the storm starts, stay away from windows and glass doors and avoid using the phone. Go to your home's lowest level and stay in an interior room, closet, or hallway. Have a mattress or pillow to protect your head. Monitor weather conditions on your radio and don't leave your safe place until local officials say it's okay to do so.

Step 7: Avoid post-storm dangers
If you lose electricity, keep circuit breakers turned off until power is restored, then check for frayed wires. If you see any, call the power company. Leave the house immediately if you smell gas. If you're returning home, don't enter your house if floodwaters remain around the building; you see loose power lines or structural damage; or you smell a gas leak. If you have any safety concerns at all, stay elsewhere until your home is checked by a building inspector or structural engineer.

Did You Know?
2/3 of the hurricanes that hit land in the United States between 1981 and 2011 struck the Gulf Coast. The other third hit the Atlantic Coast.

[puncakei]

anyone else coming back here for the nostalgia?

[kare-leehenry]

Hurricane is coming for me I’m scared pray for me too and others in Florida and protect your self and safe travels god bless stay safe stay strong god will protect you trust in him like for more encouragement

[nap]

Here we go another hurricane in florida but this time a cat 5 Good luck everyone, may god be with you

[jenny-xtrj]

I am watching because of Irma coming to Florida

[aotgaming]

Never seen a hurricane. Never seen a tornado and never seen a tsunami.

[thegreatrandomchannel]

Anyone watching this for Hurricane Dorian from FL

[yawn]

Am I the only one that is the only kid that knows Howcast...

[acca]

I was just trying to learn how to make perfect pancakes. Now I’m here

[zieryo]

Hurricane Durian is coming in a few days. I just came to Florida. I have no clue what to do. A possible category 4 now.

[chrz]

some one pray for us i'm in myrtle beach

[luciaquesada]

came here for Hurricane Matthew prayers goes to everyone😳🌀

[estyy]

I am watching this a few hours before Hurricane Matthew

[sarah.mooree]

I am watching this cause of Florence coming to Virginia/Maryland. I am scared it is my first hurricane good luck everyone!

[Zeubermage]

Do NOT trim trees or shrubs within 36-48 hours of an expected landfall. Pickup service will have been suspended; and the trimmings may become dangerous projectiles

[notadog]

I live in a apartment I'm screwed

[luanloud]

hurricane happening in South Carolina where I live it's bad

[Hacker-ddho]

Anyone else here because of hurricane Matthew I'm super scared it's my first hurricane and it's a category 4 when it hits Florida good luck to anyone

[SurvivalhaxStore]

Hope everyone affected by Harvey is safe.

[Valentine-Luk]

There aren't hurricanes where I live, but I watched this video anyway. How someone said: "Knowledge is power". Thank you!

[sublerkm]

I'm so scared for everyone who is in Hurricane Irma's path and I'm really hoping no one will die and I just hope everyone will stay safe through this tremendously bad storm