what not to do during a hurricane

What not to do during a hurricane? Hurricanes are dangerous weather events because of their destructive potential, and knowing the do’s and don’ts is vital.

Minimizing damage and ensuring the safety of persons in the path of a hurricane requires proper preparation for and response to the storm.

Knowing what not to do is just as important as having a clue about how to stay safe during a hurricane.

So, what should you not do in a hurricane?

You should not ignore evacuation orders, never try to ride out the storm in a mobile home, and avoid staying close to windows and glass doors. 

What Not to Do During a Hurricane?

actions to avoid during a hurricane

The truth is that so many people are so fixated on learning what to do during a hurricane to stay safe that they often overlook the importance of avoiding critical mistakes.

Here is what you should not do during a hurricane:

Never Ignore Evacuation Orders

Ignoring evacuation orders during a hurricane is a risky move that might have devastating effects on you and your loved ones.

Authorities give these directives after weighing the probable hazards and impacts of the storm.

If you choose to ignore these warnings and stay stuck in your house, you may be seriously putting yourself at risk of injury, property loss, or even death.   

Never Try to Ride Out the Storm in a Mobile Home

avoid mobile homes in hurricanes

Mobile homes and recreational vehicles are highly vulnerable to the powerful winds and heavy rainfall that accompany hurricanes.

Therefore, the decision to ride out the storm in one of these vehicles is a very risky one.

These vehicles tend to be flimsy and easily damaged or destroyed during hurricanes. This means there is a greater potential for harm to the residents.

You should move into a more permanent structure or move to a safer place far in advance of the storm if you live in a mobile home or recreational vehicle.   

Do Not Leave Windows and Doors Open

do not leave windows and doors open

During a hurricane, the damage to your home and the risk to your family’s safety from unprotected windows and doors can be devastating.

When doors and windows are left open, strong winds can enter a property, potentially causing structural damage and allowing debris to be blown inside.

Fact: Closing windows and doors, and reinforcing them with storm shutters or plywood can help reduce these dangers and safeguard your home during a hurricane. 

Never Stay Near Windows or Glass Doors

It is unsafe to stay close to any glass, including closed and locked windows, doors, and skylights.

Glass can break and send fragments flying when exposed to high winds and the impact of flying debris.

Anyone who comes into contact with these shards of glass is at serious risk of injury.

Staying out of these regions during a hurricane is vital for everyone’s safety since it reduces the likelihood of injury.

Fact: If you want to be as safe as possible during a hurricane, it is best to hole up in a small, windowless room on the ground floor of your house. 

Never Drive Through Flooded Roads

never drive through flooded roads

You are in serious danger if you decide to drive through flooded roadways during or after a hurricane.

It might be difficult to judge the depth or safety of floodwaters since they cover up obstacles, such as:

  • Washed-out roadways
  • Submerged debris
  • Deep ditches

If you try to drive through these conditions, you risk having your car stuck in the mud or, even worse, having it swept away by the current.

If you value your safety and the safety of others around you, do not risk it by driving across flooded roads. 

Do Not Use Candles or Open Flames

do not use candles or open flames

Candles and other open fires may seem like a good idea when the electricity goes out due to a hurricane, but they pose a serious fire hazard.

Fires are more likely to start and spread quickly during storms because of the high winds, heavy rainfall, and potential structural damage to your property. 

Furthermore, unattended candles or open flames can become a hazard if you need to evacuate quickly.

Fact: Using battery-operated lights like flashlights or lanterns is always a better idea as compared to using candles or open flames.  

Do Not Use Utilities if Instructed

To ensure proper safety during a hurricane, it is sometimes important to turn off your utilities as directed by local officials.

Turning off gas, power, and water as directed can help prevent fires and other disasters from breaking out during a storm.

do not use utilities if instructed

Before the hurricane hits, make sure everyone in your home knows how to safely turn off the power, water, and other essential services.

Know where the major gas, water, and electrical shut-off valves are, practice turning off circuit breakers, and keep tools like wrenches on hand in case you need to close valves quickly.    

What to Do During a Hurricane to Stay Safe?

Once you know the mistakes you should avoid during a hurricane, it also pays to learn steps you can take to stay safe. 

Stay Informed

stay informed

Protecting yourself during a hurricane requires that you stay informed.

Your ability to make educated decisions and take effective action to protect yourself and your loved ones depends on the information you have about the storm.

The information may include:

  • The location of the storm
  • Its trajectory
  • Its predicted effects

In the event that the storm’s path or severity changes, or if evacuation orders or other instructions are issued, you will be better prepared to respond if you have been keeping up with the latest information.

Fact: It is a good idea to keep track of the hurricane and its progress with the help of a battery-operated weather radio, your smartphone, or a reputable web source. 

Prepare Your Home

prepare your home

Before a hurricane hits, it is crucial to take preventative measures to secure your property and stock up on supplies.

The first step in preparing for high winds and flying debris is to board up windows and secure unsecured outside items.

Reduce the potential for harm from falling limbs by trimming the trees surrounding your home, and ensure adequate water drainage during storms by clearing out gutters and drains.

 Make sure you have enough nonperishable food, water, medications, and a first-aid kit to get you and your family through the storm and its aftermath.

By getting ready for a storm in advance, you and your family will have a better chance of avoiding damage. 

Create an Emergency Plan

One of the most important things you can do to ensure the safety of your loved ones during a hurricane is to draft up a comprehensive disaster plan.

Your emergency plan should include information, such as:

  • Evacuation routes
  • Means of communication
  • A central location for everyone to reunite if separated

Make sure everyone in your family is on the same page with the plan and knows what they should do in the event of a disaster.   

Practice Care When Venturing Out after a Hurricane

exercise caution post-hurricane

Once you have managed to ride out the storm, it is important that you do not rush out quickly.

Take your time before venturing outside because there are still various potential hazards, such as debris, downed power lines, or standing water.

It is also important to report any safety concerns you notice outside.

Fact: Ignoring local guidance about when to venture outside after a hurricane can put you in serious trouble. 

Offer Assistance and Support

offer assistance and support

Once you have waited long enough, it is time to get out and check how things are.

Many people could use assistance with things like cleanup, repairs, or moral support in the wake of a catastrophe.

Help your community and those you care about who may be suffering as a result of the storm.

Taking part in local cleanup and recovery initiatives can also significantly impact the reconstruction effort. 

Takeaway

What not to do during a hurricane? Learning about safety tips during a storm is crucial, but sometimes, a single mistake can make you pay through the nose.

Therefore, it is just as critical to learn what to avoid during a hurricane.

Under no circumstances should you be ignoring an evacuation order, heading out during a storm, riding it out in your mobile home, or using open flames.

Try to be vigilant and you will do just fine.