Whether it is a hurricane or a tropical storm, its passage can pose risks to your safety and your family's. When a weather event is forecast, it is important to review the steps to take before, during and after the storm to protect everyone's well-being. You can use this guide as a starting point.
Before a storm: As preparedness measures, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that you keep a record of emergency contacts in your community, and that you know the shelters in your area and how to reach them, in case you need to evacuate your home.
It is never too early to stock up on emergency supplies, such as food, water, fuel, medications, personal and safety items, important documents and battery storage for electronic devices. Taking care of this ahead of time saves you the lines and the frustration of not finding what you need.
Protect your home properly. That means getting and installing storm shutters, sealing roofs and cracks, storing objects that could be thrown by the wind, and securing water sources such as cisterns or containers.
During a storm: If television or phone signals fail, local AM radio stations are one way to stay informed about conditions in your community. Keep an AM radio on hand so you know when it is safe to leave your home.
In uncertain moments, rumors can spread by word of mouth or through social media. Stay tuned to reliable sources of information, such as the accounts of the National Weather Service or your trusted meteorologist, and use good judgment when you receive unverified information.
If possible, stay inside a room with no exposed doors or windows, since these can break if struck by a projectile. If the power goes out, turn off the circuit breakers in your home to prevent a short circuit.
After the storm: Avoid crossing flooded areas, as they may be contaminated with chemicals, microbes and/or fecal matter, and a current could sweep you away.
Watch out for any downed power lines. Do not use appliances that have been submerged in water, or plug them into outlets that have come into contact with floodwater.
If you have a generator, operate it outside enclosed spaces. Inhaling generator emissions can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and death. Likewise, extinguish any candle that is not within your immediate reach, or before you go to sleep.
Maintain personal hygiene. Discard any food that has come into contact with contaminants, and use insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be disease vectors.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
