Hurricane Safety Guide
Preparing for hurricane season, understanding watches vs warnings, storm surge evacuation, and riding out the storm safely.
Compiled from official emergency-management guidance (FEMA/Ready.gov, IFRC, WHO, national agencies) · Reviewed by the WND Editorial Team · Last reviewed:
Key action: If authorities order evacuation from a storm-surge zone, leave — surge, not wind, causes about half of tropical-cyclone deaths. If not in an evacuation zone, shelter in an interior room away from windows.
Before the event
- Know your evacuation zone and whether your home is in a storm-surge area.
- Prepare before the season: kit for 7 days, fuel, cash, charged power banks.
- Strengthen the house: storm shutters or plywood for windows, secure the roof and doors, trim trees.
- Bring in or tie down outdoor furniture and anything that can become a projectile.
- Fill clean containers and bathtubs with water before landfall.
- Understand watch vs warning: a WATCH means conditions are possible within 48 h — prepare; a WARNING means expected within 36 h — finish preparations and evacuate if told.
During the event
- Stay indoors away from windows and glass doors; shelter in a small interior room on the lowest level not at flood risk.
- Do NOT go outside during the calm eye — violent winds resume from the opposite direction.
- If flooding threatens, move up; avoid closed attics.
- Listen to battery radio for official updates; power and mobile networks often fail.
- If the building begins failing, shelter under a mattress or sturdy furniture in the interior room.
After the event
- Wait for the official all-clear — hazards continue after the wind: floods, downed lines, weakened structures.
- Stay clear of downed power lines; report them.
- Avoid floodwater (contamination, hidden debris, electrical hazards).
- Use generators outdoors only, far from windows — carbon monoxide kills after many storms.
- Document damage with photos for insurance; make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
- Drink only safe water until officials confirm the supply.
Emergency kit checklist
- Water and food for 7 days per person
- Battery/hand-crank radio, torches, power banks
- First aid, medications, hygiene supplies
- Cash, documents in waterproof container
- Tarps, rope, basic tools for temporary repairs
- Full fuel tank + car charger before landfall
Evacuation guidance
- Evacuate when ordered — surge zones can become unsurvivable.
- Leave early to avoid running out of fuel in traffic.
- Know your destination: shelter, hotel or family inland.
- Take pets — many public shelters accept them or have partner facilities; verify beforehand.
What NOT to do
- Do NOT ride out a major hurricane in a mobile home or boat.
- Do NOT go sightseeing during the eye or immediately after.
- Do NOT drive through flooded roads.
- Do NOT tape windows (it does nothing) and don't open windows to "equalize pressure" (a myth).
- Do NOT run generators or charcoal grills indoors.
Children, older people and people with disabilities
- Register anyone dependent on electricity for medical devices with local emergency management before the season.
- Evacuate older adults and people with disabilities early — before general traffic.
- Keep children occupied and informed simply; assign them small preparation roles to reduce fear.
Pet safety
- Never leave pets behind or tied outside.
- Carrier, leash, food, litter and records ready with your kit.
- Update microchip/contact information before the season.
Frequently asked questions
What kills the most people in hurricanes?
Water, not wind. Storm surge and inland flooding (including freshwater flooding from rain) account for roughly three-quarters of direct tropical-cyclone deaths, which is why evacuation from surge zones is the critical action.
What do hurricane categories mean?
The Saffir-Simpson scale (1–5) rates sustained wind. But category understates danger from surge and rain — a large, slow Category 1 can flood more area than a compact Category 4. Follow evacuation orders regardless of category.