During a hurricane, follow official evacuation orders, secure your home, and shelter in a windowless interior room on the lowest floor. Stock emergency supplies and monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center and local authorities.
Hurricanes are useful tropical storms with sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. They form over warm ocean waters and bring destructive wind, storm surge, heavy rain, and flooding. The most dangerous phase occurs when the storm makes landfall, often causing widespread damage within hours.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) tracks hurricanes using satellite imagery, aircraft reconnaissance, and weather models. Their forecasts provide 36-72 hour outlooks for storm path and intensity. Local emergency management agencies issue alerts based on NHC data, including evacuation zones and shelter locations.
Begin planning at least 72 hours before a hurricane threat. Create a household emergency plan that includes communication methods, meeting points, and evacuation routes. Assign roles: one person handles supplies, another checks on neighbors, and a third monitors weather updates.
Assemble a 72-hour emergency kit with water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, medications, and personal hygiene items. Store supplies in a waterproof container. Keep copies of identification, insurance documents, and medical records in a sealed plastic bag.
Secure your home by boarding windows with plywood or installing storm shutters. Trim trees near the house to reduce debris risk. Unplug electronics and turn off utilities if instructed. Move valuables to upper floors or elevated surfaces to avoid flood damage.
When a hurricane watch is issued (36-48 hours before landfall), begin evacuating if advised. Evacuation zones are determined by elevation and flood risk. For example, residents in low-lying areas near the coast in Miami-Dade County must leave before Category 1 conditions occur.
If you remain in place, go to a small, windowless interior room on the lowest level-such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway. Avoid exterior walls and doors. Use furniture to shield against flying debris. Do not stand near windows or glass doors.
Stay off the phone unless it's an emergency. Use a battery-powered radio to receive updates from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or local emergency services. Avoid using elevators during power outages. If trapped, signal for help with a flashlight or whistle.
Storm surge-the rise of seawater pushed ashore by hurricane winds-is responsible for 90% of hurricane-related deaths. In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused a 12-foot surge in parts of Florida, submerging homes in Marco Island. Even a 3-foot surge can sweep away vehicles and destroy foundations.
Floodwaters move quickly and can be deeper than they appear. Never walk or drive through moving water. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock a person down. A foot of water can float a car. After the storm passes, wait for official clearance before returning to affected areas.
Wait until officials declare it safe to return. Check for gas leaks, structural damage, and electrical hazards. Use flashlights, not candles, to avoid fire risks. Document property damage with photos for insurance claims.
Discard perishable food stored above 40°F for more than two hours. Clean mold-prone surfaces with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Disinfect sinks, toilets, and countertops. Report downed power lines to utility companies immediately.
Seek mental health support if experiencing anxiety, PTSD, or grief. The American Psychological Association notes that 30% of hurricane survivors report long-term emotional distress. Contact local crisis centers or call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
Many assume that "eye of the storm" means safety. The calm center lasts 10-30 minutes but is followed by violent winds from the opposite side. Returning outdoors during this lull increases exposure to sudden wind shifts and falling debris.
Another myth is that rubber-soled shoes prevent lightning strikes. Lightning can strike anywhere, regardless of footwear. If caught outside, crouch low with feet together and hands over ears. Avoid tall objects, water, and metal structures.
Some believe that sealing windows with duct tape prevents breakage. This is false. Duct tape offers no structural reinforcement. Proper storm shutters or plywood panels are required to withstand wind pressures exceeding 100 mph.
In September 2022, Hurricane Ian struck southwestern Florida as a Category 4 storm. It brought 150 mph winds and a 12-foot storm surge. In Fort Myers Beach, 70% of homes were damaged or destroyed.
Residents who evacuated early survived. Those who waited until the last minute faced life-threatening delays. One family in Naples took shelter in a reinforced garage, using sandbags and tarps to seal gaps. They survived the storm but lost their home.
Afterward, FEMA distributed $2.3 billion in aid to Florida counties. Over 100,000 people applied for assistance. Survivors reported that having a pre-storm plan reduced panic and improved decision-making under pressure.
| Action | When to Take It | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Evacuate if ordered | When a mandatory evacuation is issued | Reduces risk of drowning and injury from debris |
| Shelter in an interior room | During peak winds and surge | Minimizes exposure to flying glass and collapsing walls |
| Use a battery-powered radio | Throughout the storm | Provides real-time updates when cell networks fail |
| Check for gas leaks | After the storm ends | Prevents explosions and fires in damaged homes |
My own experience during Hurricane Florence in 2018 taught me the value of a physical map and backup power bank. When the internet failed, I relied on a printed evacuation route and a solar charger to maintain contact with my sister. That setup kept us connected during a 48-hour blackout.
Understanding what to do during a hurricane saves lives. Follow official guidance, prepare in advance, and act decisively when warnings come. The difference between survival and tragedy often lies in preparation.