Site icon Empoword Journalism

Hurricane Survival Guide: What To Do Before And After the Storm

Hurricanes

Khushboo Malhotra 


Hurricanes are one of the most catastrophic and expensive natural disasters known to mankind. Empoword has conducted research on these natural disasters, looking into how to safely navigate the storm while guarding property and loved ones.

What is known as the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season in the Northern Hemisphere has produced catastrophic devastation in the form of Hurricane Fiona (which caused widespread menace across the Caribbean and Eastern Canada) and Hurricane Ian (which enormously destructed across western Cuba and the southeast United States, particularly in southwest Florida and South Carolina), leaving people with incalculable losses.

Hurricane season starts on 15 May in the North Pacific, and 1 June in the Atlantic and the Caribbean, ending on 30 November. While we all hope for hurricanes to wreak their mayhem far from the presence of mankind, it is better to stay as far away from the hurricane’s path of potential destruction and prepare for them before the season begins.

What you do during and after a hurricane may have a monumental impact on your protection, and safeguard your property through the lashing winds, torrential rains, storm surges, inland flooding, strong winds, tornados, rough surf, and rip currents.

Here’s your hurricane survival guide, full of tips on how to mitigate the devastation caused by hurricanes.

What to Do Before a Hurricane?

If you hear that there is a hurricane watch or warning in your area, you can take the following steps to get ready!

If you are staying at home:

If you need to evacuate:

What to Do After a Hurricane?

You can start evaluating any potential damage to your home and property once it has been specified that the storm has passed and it is safe to venture outside. The storm might be over, but that doesn’t mean the danger is. Keep your loved ones safe after the storm by following these safety tips.

Returning to your home:

  • If you were evacuated, return home only after authorities advise it is safe to do so.
  • Keep informed on weather conditions and any guidance from authorities, by listening to the radio, TV, or social media sources.
  • Avoid driving in flooded areas as vehicles can be swept away or may stall in water. If you get stuck in a flooded area with a rising water level, wear a life jacket.
  • Inside the house, do not use electricity/ electronic equipment that may have suffered water damage and stay clear of power lines hanging overhead. Report to the electricity department immediately.
  • Avoid using candles, lighters, charcoal and any inflammable substances indoors. Use flashlights in case of a power outage. 
  • Good basic personal hygiene and handwashing/ sanitizing are critical to prevent you from getting infected and falling sick if you have been in floodwater.
  • Do not consume anything with an unusual odour, taste or colour if it hasn’t been refrigerated properly or might have come in contact with floodwater or storm.
  • Take care of your emotional health and prioritize your mental well-being during and after such a catastrophic event as it can take a toll on you. Connect with family, friends, and community. 
  • If you need counselling support, you can call or text the disaster distress hotline at 1-800-985-5990.

Assessment and Restoration:

  • While assessing your property, exercise caution and wear protective gear as the hurricane may have brought various physical, chemical, or biological risks, as well as other potentially hazardous circumstances, such as downed lines, gas leaks, flooded areas, broken trees, windows, and other debris.
  • Stay wary of any stray or wild animals and notify the authorities of any deceased animals.
  • Set up barriers and signage around your property, and seal any broken windows to help prevent vandalism or further weather damage.
  • Take care of any wounds or injuries to prevent infection, and get first aid quickly.
  • Some treacherous conditions might not be immediately obvious during your initial assessment. Consider working with certified experts with experience in restoration services. 
  • Create a detailed list of all damaged contents, with photographic/videographic evidence, and keep accurate records of the expenses as bills and receipts from your temporary repairs to document the conditions and promptly report the claim.
  • According to reports, most fatalities are reported after storms have passed due to heart attacks, power outage issues, and accidents. Therefore, do not enter destructed areas until it becomes absolutely safe to do so. 

Help Your Loved Ones in Hurricane Prone & Affected Areas

If you have friends, family, or other loved ones in hurricane-affected areas, you can help ensure they stay safe by sending them health and safety information. Using this toolkit prepared by CDC (in both English and Spanish) you can share messages via SMS, email, or social media. Even if you do not personally know anyone in the affected areas, you can still help spread these important messages.


Khushboo is a Twitter Editor at Empoword Journalism. She is an Award-nominated lifestyle and pop culture journalist, writer, and budding entrepreneur aiming to break down the boundaries of cultural stigma and shame attached to mental health and sexual health and bring marginalised topics to light. Send your stories, tips, and press announcements to khushboomalhotrafreelance@gmail.com

Exit mobile version