BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty ImagesSTAY OUT OF FLOODWATER| Rule No. 1 for floodwaters: Stay out of them. Do not drive, walk or swim in them. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock a person over, and 2 feet of water may float a car. All sorts of dangerous products can lurk under the surface, everything from household, medical or industrial chemical waste to human or animal waste. The hazards can make you and others more vulnerable to infectious disease or injury.
Mark Wilson/Getty ImagesSTAY INDOORS| Like during any storm, stay indoors. Ignore a common weather myth and do not waste time or resources taping up your windows during a hurricane. Instead, protect your windows with permanent storm shutters or half-inch marine plywood. Shelter in an interior room, closet or bathroom in your home's lowest level and stay away from windows or glass doors.
David McNew/Getty ImagesCHOOSE A ROOM YOU CAN CLOSE OFF| Try as much as possible to keep smoke outside of the home, or at least a room. Close one room off from outside air. In the chosen room, set up a portable air cleaner or filter. Stay inside — during a disaster is not the time to marvel at a wildfire or storm.
Spotmatik/Dreamstime/TNSIf going outside go in the mornings and evenings if you can, rather than the hottest part of the day around lunchtime. Especially important for small children, elderly and household pets.
VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty ImagesIF OUTDOORS, CROUCH CLOSE TO THE GROUND| If you are stuck outdoors when a thunderstorm hits, crouch down. Minimize your contact with the ground by keeping your feet and knees together, head tucked and hands over your ears. Groups should separate and spread out to minimize the risk of injury should lightning strike the ground.
Laurence Griffiths/Getty ImagesDON'T STAND NEAR TALL STRUCTURES OR IN OPEN SPACES| If you're outside, stay away from tall structures. Avoid open structures or spaces like gazebos, dugouts, sports arenas, parks and beaches as well.
Dennis Tokarzewski/ShutterstockINSTALL STORM SHUTTERS|Getting storm shutters installed will protect the windows in your home from breakage. You can also fit plywood panels to your windows. When a storm is approaching, they'll be ready for you to nail them to your window frames.
photovs/iStock via Getty Images PlusHURRICANE-PROOF EXTERIOR DOORS|If your doors are not hurricane-proof, they need to be. Have at least three hinges and a deadbolt lock that is at least 1-inch long to keep your door up and stable during a hurricane.
JOHANNES EISELE/AFP via Getty ImagesTHUNDERSTORM| When warm air rises into cold air, it cools. Moisture forms small water droplets, which lower in the atmosphere, warm, then rise again, forming a convection cell. Combine a convection cell with large amounts of air and moisture, and a thunderstorm ensues. While more common than other natural disasters, thunderstorms still pose a threat to people's safety.
Artazum/ShutterstockREPLACE GRAVEL|Gravel and other rock landscaping materials can cause damage to your home during a hurricane. Replace it with shredded bark, which is much lighter and will not cause as much damage.
Ziga Plahutar/E+ via Getty ImagesCLEAN GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS|Leaves, twigs and any other debris can clog your gutter and downspouts. This will prevent the rainwater that comes before or after a hurricane from properly draining away from your home. If the gutters are too high on a ladder or you are not experienced, this might be one of those maintenance projects you shouldn't do yourself.
EVA MARIE UZCATEGUI/AFP via Getty ImagesEVACUATE WHEN TOLD| In the event of hurricane watch or warning, pay attention to emergency information and alerts. If an evacuation seems imminent, keep a full tank of gas to avoid being stranded in your car. When told by local authorities to evacuate, do so immediately. Ideally, you would have already come up with an evacuation plan for yourself and your family. Know where you will evacuate to, how you will get there and how you can keep in touch should your group become separated.
Ungvar/ShutterstockSEAL OUTSIDE WALL OPENINGS|Vents, outdoor electrical outlets, garden hose bibs and other places in your home where cables and pipes go through your wall need to be sealed. Using a urethane-based caulk is a good option for preventing water from penetrating your home. While preparing for hurricane season, it's important to also take care of projects around the house on your spring home maintenance checklist.
ALEX EDELMAN/AFP via Getty ImagesAVOID CHEMICAL OR ELECTRICAL HAZARDS| Propane tanks or car batteries may crop up in floodwaters — do not move them. Instead, contact first responders. At your own home, shut off all electrical power and natural gas or propane tanks. And never under any circumstances touch a fallen power line.
kate_sept2004/E+ via Getty ImagesBUY FLOOD INSURANCE|Most home insurance does not cover the expensive damage that comes from flooding due to a hurricane. According to FEMA, National Flood Insurance Program policies become effective 30 days after the date of purchase, so homeowners should purchase one in advance to make sure they are covered.
Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesWILDFIRE| Staying safe during a wildfire, like many other extreme weather situations, has much to do with staying up to date on information and following instructions from local authorities. Keep the following tips in mind.
SDI Productions/E+ via Getty ImagesPLAN AN EVACUATION|Have a discussion with your family or anyone that is staying in your home and make sure that everyone knows what to do in case a hurricane is imminent. Determine safe places where you could stay in case you were asked to evacuate and make sure everyone knows how to get there.
Scott Olson/Getty ImagesFLOODS| Floods are an unfortunate effect of a hurricane or heavy thunderstorm. Try as you might to predict the weather, flash floods can come seemingly out of nowhere with devastating effect. Lots can lurk beneath the surface of rapidly rising waters — here's how to stay safe.
Artazum/ShutterstockINSTALL TEMPERED GLASS DOORS|Sliding doors are more vulnerable to wind damage than other doors in your home. Sliding doors that are made of tempered glass, however, can better withstand wind damage, so consider replacing your doors ahead of hurricane season.
MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty ImagesWEAR A RESPIRATOR MASK| While cloth masks have become everyday wear during the coronavirus pandemic, they will not do the job during a wildfire. Instead, wear a respirator, a mask fit tightly to your face that filters smoke out of the air before you breathe it in. Children should not wear respirators, and people with heart or lung diseases should contact their doctor to find out if it is safe for you to wear one should a disaster strike.
SM/Dreamstime/TNSThese are the days when complaining about your office being too cold lack validity. Chilling off is a good thing with heat indexes in the triple digits. Fans might make you think you're cooling off, but according to the CDC when temperatures are in the upper 90s electric fans won't really prevent heat illness. A cool shower or bath is better.
aldomurillo/E+ via Getty ImagesEMERGENCY SHELTER LOCATION|If you do not have time to evacuate, discuss or determine where you will take shelter from the hurricane in or around your home. If you don't have a storm cellar or basement, look for rooms in your home with few doors or few or no windows, such as closets.
Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesDON'T BE FOOLED BY THE CALM| Once the eye of the hurricane passes over wherever you are taking shelter, a brief period of calm may lead you to believe it's safe to go outside and assess the damage. Resist the urge and stay indoors. On the other side of the eye are equally powerful hurricane wind speeds. Wait for word from local authorities on when you may safely exit your shelter.
Dreamstime/TNSIf you feel lightheaded, short of breath, get into a shaded area and rest. And remember if you're feeling this way your dog is too!
Mike Focus/ShutterstockREPLACE OLD GARAGE DOORS AND TRACKS|Before hurricane season arrives, replace your garage door with one that is approved for wind pressure and impact protection. The garage door is often the largest door in your home and wind that is coming through a garage door can cause a lot of damage to not only your garage but also the rest of your home, especially your roof.
photka/ShutterstockSTOCK UP ON EMERGENCY SUPPLIES|If a hurricane is coming, you will not have the time to gather supplies while you are also trying to evacuate or shelter. Make an emergency kit that includes water, food with a long shelf life, medications, a first-aid kit, batteries, a flashlight and other necessary supplies, so that you're prepared in advance.
ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty ImagesDON'T STAND IN THE DOORWAY| A doorway does not protect you from falling or flying objects, which are the leading cause of earthquake-related injuries and deaths. During an earthquake, a small action can make a huge impact in your likelihood of injury. Quickly try to move away from anything hanging overhead or large furniture pieces that can fall. Then, grab something to shield your head.
David McNew/Getty ImagesMONITOR HEALTH SYMPTOMS| People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or people who are pregnant should closely monitor wildfire smoke inhalation symptoms. People with known heart diseases should also monitor symptoms.
Brian Davidson/Getty ImagesTORNADOES| In the U.S., about 1,200 tornadoes hit each year. In the southern Plains, peak tornado season runs from May to June. For the Gulf Coast, Midwest and northern Plains, peak season lasts from June to July. Here's what to do in case a tornado touches down near you.
Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesIF IN A CAR, DO NOT TRY TO OUTRUN THE TORNADO| Not even on its best day will your car or truck outrun a tornado. Instead, if a tornado is approaching, stop your vehicle and get as far away as possible from it. If there is nowhere for you to go, keep your seatbelt on and make sure your head is covered and ducked below windows and the windshield. Remember to never take shelter under an overpass.
Mark Wilson/Getty Images'WHEN THUNDERS ROARS, GO INDOORS'|This common weather proverb is true: When thunder roars, go indoors. The best place to be during a storm is indoors, whether that means at home, a shop, office or in your vehicle.
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesKNOW LONG-SPAN BUILDINGS ARE NOT SAFE| The roofs of long-span buildings like shopping malls, gyms and theaters are typically supported by outside walls only. When hit by tornadoes, these buildings cannot withstand the pressure and will collapse. If stuck inside a long-span building, try to take shelter in the lowest level or a basement. Otherwise, find something like a door frame or counter to protect your head.
Mario Tama/Getty ImagesEARTHQUAKES| Neither the United States Geological Survey nor any scientist has ever been able to predict a major earthquake, making this sort of natural disaster extra tricky. These are the quick steps you can take to stay safe.
Blaj Gabriel/Dreamstime/TNSEspecially people who are more susceptible to heat-related illness to make sure they are OK. These people include infants and young children, people 65 and older, people who are overweight, people who have to work or exercise outdoors. And people who are already ill with ailments like heart disease, high blood pressure, or who take certain medications for depression, insomnia or poor circulation.
SETH HERALD/AFP via Getty ImagesLOOK OUT FOR INSECTS AND ANIMALS| A natural disaster can displace animals, insects and reptiles. Be aware of your surroundings, and look out for wild or stray animals. High hurricane-like winds can kill adult mosquitos. However, when flooding occurs, mosquito eggs laid in the soil hatch, resulting in a large population of floodwater mosquitoes. These mosquitos will likely not spread viruses until up to two weeks or months after the hurricane.
SDI Productions/E+ via Getty ImagesTAKE AN INVENTORY OF PERSONAL PROPERTY|Take an inventory of items and furniture in your home. This will help ensure that you have enough insurance for these items in your home as well as give you an adequate list should you need to check items for damage as well as make claims to repair or replace them after a storm. If you need to evacuate your home because of a hurricane, make sure to not forget the inventory of your property.
Kristen Zeis/The Virginian-PilotPower crews work to repair lines in the East Ocean View area of Norfolk, Va., after Tropical Storm Isaias passed through the region on Tuesday, August 4, 2020.
tradville // Shutterstock
Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesIF DRIVING, TAKE SHELTER| If you are driving during heavy rain, safely exit the road, stay in your car and turn on your emergency lights. Avoid driving through floodwaters or on any bridges over fast-moving water. If you get caught on a road with rapidly rising waters, abandon your vehicle and quickly move to higher ground.
Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesUSE FLASHLIGHTS, NOT CANDLES| During a power outage, use flashlights instead of candles to avoid an accidental candle fire. Get these flashlights ready ahead of time as you prepare your home for hurricane season.
Simone Hogan/ShutterstockSIGN UP FOR ALERTS|Signing up for local alerts and warnings will keep you aware of the weather going on in your area. It is also important to monitor your local news and weather reports during hurricane season.
Leung Cho Pan/Dreamstime/TNSDrink plenty of fluids and don't wait until you're thirsty. Watch out for sugary or alcoholic drinks as these can deplete body fluid more rapidly.
Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesWASH IMMEDIATELY IF EXPOSED TO FLOODWATER| Should you be exposed to floodwaters, wash immediately using soap and water. If you're without water or soap or if bathing or showering poses a safety hazard, clean the exposed area with alcohol-based wipes and sanitizer.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty ImagesHURRICANES| To be classified as a hurricane, a tropical cyclone must have organized thunderstorms and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. Most frequently, hurricanes originate in the Atlantic basin in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30 — here's what you need to know to stay safe if caught in the storm.
Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesDROP, COVER, HOLD ON| During an earthquake, remember to drop, cover and hold on. First, drop down on your hands and knees to prevent yourself from falling. Next, cover your head and neck under a table, desk or near an interior wall. Lastly, hold on to shelter around you or your own head and neck until shaking stops.
Dreamstime/TNSWear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
Chuck Berman / baiduhai
ROMSVETNIK/ShutterstockCOLLECT CRITICAL DOCUMENTS|Having your important documents all in one safe place will help you get your recovery process started quickly in the event of a hurricane. Keep important documents in a fireproof and waterproof box or safe close to your emergency kit. Important documents to have include birth certificates, passports, social security cards and other personal documents, insurance policies, and your deed, mortgage and loan papers.
ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty ImagesTRACK FIRES| First, track fires. Routinely check on the National Weather Service's "Fire Weather" map for fire watches and warnings. Look to local authorities for information on evacuation and safety considerations.
Dreamstime/TNSDon't forget the sunscreen every single day, and do not forget to re-apply every hour. All ages and skin tones should apply at least SPF 35 daily, not just on the hot days.
dsmoulton/iStock via Getty Images PlusPREPARE FOR LONG OUTRAGES|Along with stocking up on supplies, you should also prepare for potential long power outages. Consider getting a generator. During a hurricane or natural disaster, electricity in your home can go out. A generator will ensure that you will still have a source of power in your home for essentials.
Korn Vitthayanukarun Call:08888/Dreamstime/TNSIf your home lacks air-conditioning try and visit a place that has air conditioning, like a mall, a library, a community center or parks department gym.
andriano_cz/iStock via Getty Images PlusINSTALL SEWER BACKFLOW VALVES|FEMA recommends that homeowners install sewer backflow valves to help avoid hurricane damage. These devices prevent floodwater from backing up into your drains from hurricanes or other devastating storms.
Dreamstime/TNS"They add heat to your body," the CDC says. And heat to your home!
RICARDO ARDUENGO/AFP via Getty ImagesIF YOU ARE OUTSIDE, STAY OUTSIDE| If you are outside when an earthquake strikes, stay outside. Move away from buildings, utility wires, sinkholes, and fuel and gas lines. Find an open space and stay low, and remain there until the shaking stops. If you are stuck in your car, stop quickly and safely, then pull over to the side of the road. A car is a good place to be during an earthquake, so stay seated until the shaking stops.
SETH HERALD/AFP via Getty ImagesTAKE SHELTER, AVOID WINDOWS| Take shelter and avoid windows during extreme weather. The safest place to be in your home during a tornado is in an interior part of a basement. Otherwise, stay in an inside room without windows on the lowest level, even if that means a hallway, bathroom or closet. Do not stay in a mobile home as these can easily turn over during strong winds.
Justin Lambert/DigitalVision via Getty ImagesCLEAN CLUTTER|Prevent items from flying all over the place in your home by cleaning up any excess clutter. It is best to get rid of items you are no longer using, especially those that can become a projectile during a hurricane or storm. Lightweight outdoor items should be brought inside. Controlling the clutter in your home can also save you money on cleaning supplies.
Fotokostic/ShutterstockTRIM TREES AND SHRUBBERY|During hurricane season, trees and shrubbery could fall on your house and cause even more damage than the wind and rain. Make sure that you keep your shrubs and trees trimmed, a maintenance project you can do yourself with the right tools.
Jimj0will/ShutterstockINSTALL ANCHORING FUEL TANKS|Another FEMA-recommended way to protect your home is to install anchoring fuel tanks. High waters can dislodge unanchored heating oil and propane fuel tanks, causing spills and property damage. If the tank is floating in water, it can basically become a battering ram and cause even further damage.
Maki Nakamura/DigitalVision via Getty ImagesPRACTICE|Practice your planned evacuation route before hurricane season arrives so that if and when a hurricane is coming, you and your family know what to do and where to go. Phone service may be unavailable during a storm, so it's important to know plans ahead of time in case you and your family aren't together during an emergency situation.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images
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STAY OUT OF FLOODWATER| Rule No. 1 for floodwaters: Stay out of them. Do not drive, walk or swim in them. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock a person over, and 2 feet of water may float a car. All sorts of dangerous products can lurk under the surface, everything from household, medical or industrial chemical waste to human or animal waste. The hazards can make you and others more vulnerable to infectious disease or injury.
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