During a Hurricane

Howling winds, heavy rain and the possibility of tornadoes make riding out a hurricane a stressful situation. Follow these tips for staying safe in your home during a hurricane:

• Stay inside and away from glass doors, windows and skylights. Find a safe area in your home, such as in an interior room, a closet or bathroom on the lower level.
• If your home is in danger of being flooded, turn off electricity at the main breaker.
• If you lose power, turn off major appliances (such as the water heater and air conditioner) to reduce damage.
• Do not use appliances powered by electricity, including your computer.
• Do not go outside. You could be hit by flying debris. Also, if the eye of the storm passes over your area, there could be a brief calm period, but at the other side of the eye, the wind speed quickly increases back to hurricane force and will come from the opposite direction.
• Beware of lightning. Stay away from electrical equipment. Don't use a telephone (unless it’s a true emergency) or take a bath/shower during the storm.

If you lose power and the temperature rises, look out for heat illness. Heat can make you sick. Protect yourself by trying to stay cool and hydrated after a flood or hurricane. The CDC offers tips and information about heat-related illness.