Looking for safety tips on Hurricanes? We have put together a quick guide for you. Read on below!

If you’ve ever lived through a hurricane, you know how scary it can be. While the actual storm is certainly the most dangerous part due to flooding and high winds, there is also danger that could potentially happen during clean up. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to get through the hurricane season as safely as possible. Keep the following tips in mind and hopefully everyone will weather the storm as best they can.

Hurricane Safety Tips For You and Your Family

Be Mindful of Floodwaters

If you’re going out, be sure to avoid flooded areas. Local news should keep you apprised of the flooded roads in the area. Don’t try to drive through that water. In most cases, it’s hard to tell how deep the water really is or how the road is holding up beneath. As a result, it’s possible that your car could be swept away, or you could stall in moving water. If you have no choice but to enter a flooded area, you should have on a life jacket for your safety.

If you’ve been in floodwater, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water. Alcohol-based sanitizer is also a good option if you can’t get to soap and water. As there is no way to tell what contaminants or chemicals have made it into floodwater, washing and sanitizing your hands is incredibly important!

Avoid Wet Electronics

If there are any electronics in your home that get wet during a flood or hurricane the first thing you should do if the device is plugged in, is turn off the power at the main circuit breaker. If it’s not plugged in and nothing plugged in has been affected, you should be able to leave the power on in your home. If you had to turn the power off, you should contact an electrician as they will be able to check out the device before you use it or turn your power back on.

Prepare for Power Outages

In the event your power goes out try to avoid using candles unless you can keep them away from any potential fire risks. Consider picking up camping supplies like lanterns, radios, and other equipment that works on battery power. This gives you the basics while you wait for the power to come back on.

Be Mindful of Added Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is invisible and has no smell, so if it builds up in your home you won’t know it. Still, the symptoms that carbon monoxide can range from include headaches to sudden illness and in some cases, death. Fuel-burning equipment like generators, camp stoves, and other equipment adds CO to the environment. With that in mind, you should never use portable gas or coal-burning equipment (including camp stoves) inside your home or basement. Equipment like this needs to be used outside and should be 20 feet from doors, windows, or vents. It’s also worth it to purchase a battery-operated CO detector for when you’re using fuel-burning equipment or generators.

Other Important Safety Tips

Make sure you have and know how to use a fire extinguisher
Try to avoid damaged buildings until they are deemed safe
Evacuate your home if it is shifting or you hear strange noises
Keep away from fallen power lines
Stay away from wild or stray animals during a storm. Call 911 or the health department so they can safely handle them
Make sure the food and water you have is still safe. Throw away refrigerated food if your power has gone out. If you aren’t sure it’s good, don’t eat it.
Listen to local officials when reporting on water issues and requirements
Make sure to wash your hands
Take care of any wounds, no matter how small, to reduce the risk of injury