7 deadly hurricane mistakes

For the protection of yourself and others, there are a few things to bear in mind when preparing for a hurricane. Indeed, these storms can have devastating effects on the locations they strike and the people who live there.

Although facing a hurricane can be frightening, there are precautions you can do to safeguard your house and family.

Here are a few errors to avoid during a hurricane.

Error: Attempting to “ride out the storm” after being told to flee
It is for your personal protection that you have been instructed to evacuate.

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In contrast to other natural catastrophes such as earthquakes and fires, hurricanes often come with several hours or days of advanced warning, therefore it is crucial to evacuate if the storm is expected to impact your area or if you have been instructed to do so.

Whenever you become aware of a hurricane or storm threat in your area, you should frequently tune in to emergency services for updates on whether or not you should leave. If you’ve been handed a voluntary evacuation order, it indicates that officials and authorities strongly urge you to leave your region and seek refuge elsewhere.

According to Weather.com, “emergency management officials use a mandatory evacuation as a protective action in certain emergencies to help save the lives of residents and first responders.” Therefore, if you have been issued a mandatory evacuation order, you should immediately move to a safer location.

Evacuation instructions, whether voluntary or required, indicate that a threat is imminent and should be treated seriously. Remember to carefully follow instructions, as there is typically a prescribed time and route for evacuating, as well as a period when you should and can depart.

If you or a loved one needs assistance with evacuation, investigate local evacuation-support organizations.

For example, New Orleans has the Evacuteer organization, a group of volunteers dedicated to assisting in evacuations in the case of a large disaster.

Before facing a hurricane danger, you and your family may wish to take the time to create an evacuation plan, which includes becoming familiar with your evacuation routes and zones, as well as the locations of nearby shelters.

Error: abandoning your pets to fend for yourselves

Include your dogs in your emergency plan.

Keep in mind that, in many situations, public shelters do not allow non-service animals inside during natural disasters; therefore, you should verify your local laws and procedures in advance and make appropriate preparations.

Gretchen Gustafson, a media communications expert for the American Red Cross, advised Insider that pet-friendly hotels in locations not endangered by a hurricane should be researched beforehand.

Creating a disaster preparedness plan for pets in advance can also be of great use. This includes putting together an emergency pack with pet essentials such as food, copies of their medical records, and a safe carrier.

Opening your windows or doors is an error

“It is a popular misconception that opening a window during a hurricane will assist equalize pressure and minimize damage,” said Sam Maizlech, an outdoors and survival expert with Glacier Wellness. In truth, there is little possibility that your home is airtight, and creating huge openings would likely result in additional property damage.

For the length of any storm, keep all doors and windows tightly locked; in many circumstances, you may also wish to board them up.

Staying close to windows during a storm is an error.

Even if your home is completely boarded up, avoid its windows during the storm’s deadliest phase.

If a window breaks, it’s advisable to avoid the area until the storm has passed, as you never know what kind of debris could fly through the aperture.

According to the National Weather Service, during a storm it is better to seek shelter in interior spaces such as a windowless bathroom, corridor, or even a closet.

Additionally, you should endeavor to get as low as possible, preferably underground or in a cellar.

Lighting candles and gas-lit lamps improperly
Candles can be hazardous under some circumstances.

To reduce the risk of starting a fire, you should avoid using candles or gas-powered lights during or immediately after a hurricane.

“Although power disruptions are nearly unavoidable during a hurricane, it’s crucial to avoid using candles or lanterns,” Maizlech told Insider. “Since hurricane winds frequently break gas lines and cause leaks, burning a fire should be avoided at all costs.” “Use only battery-powered flashlights until the gas lines are secured and power is restored safely.”

Having a “hurricane party” during the storm is an error.

Hurricane parties, in which people often consume alcohol as a form of distraction from the storm, are a well-known custom, although they are not a safe one.

After all, when confronting a risky circumstance, you will certainly want to be as vigilant and well-prepared as possible.

Don Walker, public relations officer for Brevard County Emergency Management, told USA Today, “We do not encourage storm parties.” During times of emergency, it is crucial that people stay constantly informed and vigilant.

Not having an updated emergency preparedness kit is a mistake.

Preparedness is essential, and your home (especially if you live in an area with regular weather-related dangers) should contain a customized pack to help you deal with a hurricane or other major event.

According to Ready.gov, this kit should include three days’ worth of water and food, prescriptions, first-aid supplies, cash, flashlights, and spare batteries. You can find other suggestions for products to include in your disaster kit by visiting the official website.

And if you already have a kit prepared, remember to periodically inspect it to ensure that the food is still good, the information is up-to-date, and the items are still in working order.