If you stay home during a hurricane you should take the following precautions in addition to those mentioned on the "Before the Storm" page as the storm approaches:
- Stay away from windows and doors, even if they are covered.
- Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, hallway or basement if available. If you live in a two story home, choose a room on the first floor.
- Close all interior doors and brace exterior doors if possible.
- Lie on the floor under a table, or another sturdy object. Some protection is afforded by covering with a mattress during the height of the storm.
- If the eye of the storm passes over, it will be calm for a short period of time.
- REMAIN INDOORS! As soon as the eye passes over, winds will increase rapidly to hurricane force from the opposite direction.
- Remain calm. It may take several hours for the storm to pass.
Safety Tips During a Power Outage
Listed below are safety tips for power outages and use of generators during loss of power....
Whether a power outage in your home is caused by grid failure or severe weather, you can take the following steps to prepare and respond.
- Include power outages in your family disaster plan.
- Identify alternate means of transportation and routes to home, school or work.
- Keep extra cash on hand.
- Automatic teller machines and banks use electricity too.
- Keep a supply of nonperishable foods, medicine, baby supplies.
- Keep a supply of pet food.
- Have at least one gallon of water per person per day on hand.
- Avoid opening the fridge or freezer.
- Food should be safe as long as the outage lasts no more than 4-6 hours.
- Have one or more coolers for cold food storage.
- Have an emergency power supply for anyone dependent on medical equipment requiring electricity.
- Keep a supply of flashlights, batteries and a battery-powered radio on hand.
- Don't use candles, they pose a fire hazard.
- Connect only individual appliances to portable generators. Click here for additional information)
- Never plug a generator into wall outlets.
- Use gas-powered generators only in well-ventilated areas.
- Don't plug emergency generators into electric outlets or hook them directly to your home's electrical system.
- Be careful at traffic lights, they may be out.
- Turn off any electrical equipment that was in use prior to the power.
- Turn off all lights but one, to alert you when power resumes.
- Check on elderly neighbors, friends or relatives who may need assistance if weather is severe during the outage.
- During a power outage, don't call 9-1-1 for information.
- 9-1-1 is for true emergencies only.
- For information use your battery powered radio.
- Keep your car fuel tank at least half full.
- Gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
- When power is restored, wait a few minutes before turning on major appliances to help eliminate further problems caused by a sharp increase in demand.