Learn more on how to protect yourself from, Use insect repellent (bug spray) with DEET or picaridin. If you have to use candles, keep them away from anything that can catch fire. The storm might be over, but that doesn’t mean the danger is. RELATED: NOAA says 'extremely active' hurricane season more likely, updates forecast, RELATED: Amid COVID-19, Floridians are split on whether to follow hurricane evacuation orders, survey says. Check out Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After a Disaster for more information. This may mean putting up hurricane shutters, which should be done in the days before a hurricane is coming. If you have questions, you should contact your agent. Turn on your flashlight before entering a vacated building. You will need enough to flush the toilet. Know how the COVID-19 pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery, and what you can do to keep yourself and others safe. Remember to keep your radio tuned to a station issuing emergency bulletins and updates with the latest information. Identify your safe room. Open all windows and doors. Clean up as soon as possible to avoid mold. Ensure that your home is safe to inhabit before starting any cleanup or repairs. Clean up as soon as possible to avoid mold. If you see any downed power lines, steer clear and call 911 right away. Don’t go outside even if you think it’s over, it could just be the eye of the storm. Learn more >. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Provide a general description of the damage, as well as any photographs you took of the losses. Fill bathtubs and sinks. Take care of yourself and each other, and know when and how to seek help. Be Ready! RELATED: NOAA says 'extremely active' hurricane season more likely, updates forecast, RELATED: Amid COVID-19, Floridians are split on whether to follow hurricane evacuation orders, survey says. Put your pets on a leash, and in their cage. Save your cell battery and text when possible. Hygiene is especially important after an emergency like a hurricane, but finding clean, safe running water can sometimes be hard. Author: 11Alive Staff, 10 Tampa Bay After the Storm. Don’t go outside even if you think it’s over, it could just be the eye of the storm. Still, experts say you should wait for local authorities to let you know that it’s safe before you go home. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. Featured Resource: Coping with these feelings and getting help when you need it will help you, your family, and your community recover from a disaster. That way, you’ll be prepared to file any necessary insurance claims and begin repairs. Hurricanes Infographic When you return to your home for the first time, use a flashlight rather than a candle to light your way. Instead, use texting or social media to connect with your friends and family. Wait for an electrician to check the device before using it. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Even if the worst of the storm has passed, lingering weather can still prove problematic. This also includes tying down or taking in any outdoor furniture, garbage cans, outdoor decor, or lawn supplies that can blow away during heavy winds. That’s assuming you lose power, of course. Hygiene is especially important after an emergency like a hurricane, but finding clean, safe running water can sometimes be hard. Hurricanes and tropical storms can also contaminate the tap water with the same harmful bacteria found in floodwater. Volunteers show up in droves. Wear protective clothing. Bring in flags, awnings and house ornaments, such as wreaths, wind chimes or sculptures. Always follow warnings about flooded roads. Charge your cellphone. Donation initiatives are started by those who can’t help in person. The government charges in to do whatever they can to help. Floodwater can contain many things that may harm health, including germs, dangerous chemicals, human and livestock waste, wild or stray animals, downed power lines, and other contaminants that can make you sick. Don’t drive in flooded areas—cars or other vehicles won’t protect you from floodwaters. You should assume that the water is not safe and use properly stored water or boil your tap water. Since most insurance doesn’t cover damage sustained after the storm, this step could be crucial. Stay away from wild or stray animals after a storm. TAMPA, Fla. — It’s a decision most of us never want to have to make: Will you stay or go when a hurricane is heading your way? Water damage is a big concern, and the faster you can remove that moisture and humidity, the better. Be patient, they might not be able to get to you yet. As you address cleanup and repairs, keep careful records for when you file an … You’ll need water. It will help preserve food longer if the power only goes out temporarily. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, and make sure your family knows how to use it. Walk through the house room by room, taking photos of any issues you notice. It feels natural in the days during and after a tragedy. Call the electric company to report them. Do not use water you suspect or have been told is contaminated to make baby formula, make ice, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, or wash dishes. Charge your cellphone. RELATED: NOAA says 'extremely active' hurricane season more likely, updates forecast, RELATED: Amid COVID-19, Floridians are split on whether to follow hurricane evacuation orders, survey says. Other large debris such as uprooted trees or flipped cars can be reported to local authorities. The risk for injury during and after a hurricane and other natural disasters is high. Bottled, boiled, or treated water are safe for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. If your windows have been blown out, tape plastic sheeting over the opening. Use battery-powered flashlights. Listen to NOAA weather radio or watch the local news, send out large trucks carrying satellite dishes, notify your insurance company as soon as possible, Employment during COVID-19 by the numbers, People who retire comfortably avoid these financial advisor mistakes, 30 ways cats are not that different from dogs. Listen to NOAA weather radio or watch the local news to stay ahead of all the latest developments. The fewer windows, the better. National Weather Service: Turn Around Don’t Drown® Listen to reports from local officials for advice on water precautions in your home. Learn how to. Gather your important documents in a storm-proof container. The power restoration process can result in multiple quick power surges that can damage appliances and, on … Never use portable gasoline or coal-burning equipment or camp stoves inside your home, basement, or garage. These are just a few ideas to be thinking about before and after a severe storm hits. Crank down the refrigerator to the coldest temperature. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Remember: Even after the weather report clears, the negative effects of a hurricane can still linger. Floodwater can also be full of contaminants like raw sewage, industrial chemicals, and bacteria, so avoid personal contact with it at all costs. Fill bathtubs and sinks. It may look like it’s not a big deal, but it only takes six to 12 inches to take you down or flood your car. Always stay near lit candles. Clean, safe running water is essential for proper hygiene and handwashing. Fuel-burning equipment creates carbon monoxide (CO). Contact a licensed contractor to check the building’s structural integrity, an electrician to check your wiring, a plumber to check the water lines and the gas company to check for any gas line breaks. Fill bathtubs and sinks. Stay clear of fallen power lines. This can include equipment like generators, pressure washers, charcoal grills, and camp stoves. That’s assuming you lose power, of course. Gather your important documents in a storm-proof container. Your state, tribal, local, or territorial health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area. You will need enough to flush the toilet. Skip Navigation. Identify your safe room. Here's what you need to do before, during and after a hurricane This is everything you should know to prepare for a hurricane. Never touch anything in contact with power lines, including water or … The battery could produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present. Don’t make unnecessary calls. Avoid downed power lines. If you smell gas, get away from the building and alert the gas company immediately. After a storm cuts the power to the house, the very first thing you should do to protect your home is flip the main breaker off. Roads can be full of danger after a hurricane or tropical storm. The fewer windows, the better. How do you even begin to recover from the devastating impact of a natural disaster? Get first aid quickly to help heal small wounds and prevent infection. Line the bathtub with plastic sheeting or a clean shower curtain, or … 'Miracle baby' born at 22 weeks breaks Tulane hospital record, TD 25 forms in Caribbean, expected to make way to Gulf of Mexico, Delightful weather remains in the forecast through the weekend, Arch Manning scores 6 touchdowns against East Jefferson in 2020 debut, President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis rocks final stage of presidential campaign, NOAA says 'extremely active' hurricane season more likely, updates forecast, Amid COVID-19, Floridians are split on whether to follow hurricane evacuation orders, survey says. Author: 11Alive Staff, 10 Tampa Bay Don’t go outside even if you think it’s over, it could just be the eye of the storm. Stay tuned to local radio, television or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest news… Once a hurricane passes, your first instinct might be to go home as soon as possible. Wear protective clothing. Fill your bathtubs. Don’t drink or cook with tap water until local authorities give the OK. 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