During a hurricane, individuals must avoid several dangerous activities that put lives at risk. Never tape windows, attempt to drive through flooded roads, or venture outside during the storm. Swimming or wading in flood waters conceals deadly hazards. Staying in evacuation zones, using unsafe emergency lighting, or operating generators indoors can prove fatal. Additional critical safety measures protect both life and property during these severe weather events.
Key Takeaways
- Don't venture outside during the hurricane, as flying debris and high winds pose extreme dangers to personal safety.
- Don't tape windows as a protection method, as it creates a false sense of security and can make glass fragments more dangerous.
- Don't drive through flooded roads or attempt to cross standing water, as just 12 inches can sweep away vehicles.
- Don't ignore mandatory evacuation orders or attempt to "ride out" the storm against official guidance.
- Don't run generators indoors or in enclosed spaces, as this creates deadly carbon monoxide poisoning risks.
Common Window Protection Mistakes
Many homeowners make critical errors when safeguarding their windows during hurricane preparation. One significant mistake is relying on plywood, which can detach during high winds and become dangerous projectiles. Selecting incorrect window shutter types or installing them improperly nullifies their protective capabilities, leaving homes vulnerable to storm damage. Experts strongly recommend keeping windows closed during the entire storm duration.
Common misconceptions about window protection can lead to devastating consequences. Taping windows offers no meaningful protection and may result in larger, more dangerous glass fragments during breakage. Installing shutters too close to windows restricts essential airflow and reduces their effectiveness. These errors can result in internal pressurization risks if windows fail during the storm, potentially causing catastrophic structural damage.
Another dangerous practice is protecting only windows facing water sources, ignoring the fact that hurricane winds can approach from multiple directions. For maximum protection, homeowners should guarantee complete coverage of all windows using properly installed, hurricane-rated protection systems.
Dangerous Driving Decisions to Avoid
Beyond securing homes, hurricane safety extends to critical transportation decisions. During severe weather, motorists must avoid dangerous driving behaviors that could lead to accidents or fatalities. Poor vehicle maintenance and driving distractions greatly increase risks during hurricane conditions. Experts warn that August through October typically brings the most dangerous storms of the season.
| Hazard | Safety Action |
|---|---|
| Flooded Roads | Never attempt to cross high water |
| Evacuation Orders | Follow all official directives |
| Vehicle Problems | Complete pre-storm maintenance |
| Road Conditions | Adjust speed and following distance |
Attempting to drive through flooded areas can result in vehicle damage, injury, or death. Water may conceal hazards like downed power lines or road damage. Drivers must heed evacuation orders and road closures issued by authorities. Before evacuating, vehicles should undergo thorough inspection, including tire pressure, oil levels, and brake systems. When driving becomes necessary, motorists should maintain slower speeds, increase vehicle spacing, and eliminate distractions. If conditions become too dangerous, pulling over to wait for safer conditions is essential.
Risky Outdoor Activities During the Storm
During hurricanes, engaging in outdoor activities poses severe and potentially lethal risks to individuals. Attempting to venture outside during these powerful storms exposes people to multiple life-threatening hazards, including flying debris, dangerous wind conditions, and contaminated flood waters.
Storm debris dangers are particularly severe, as hurricane-force winds can transform ordinary objects into deadly projectiles. People must avoid outdoor sheltering risks by remaining inside secure structures, away from windows and doors. Essential personnel only should be operating in storm-affected areas during and immediately after the event.
Swimming, wading, or driving through flood waters presents extreme dangers, as rapidly moving water can easily overwhelm both pedestrians and vehicles. Coastal areas require special consideration, as hurricanes generate life-threatening rip currents and dangerous wave conditions. Individuals should avoid all beach activities until authorities declare the area safe.
The threat continues even after the storm passes, with hazards such as downed power lines, displaced wildlife, and unstable structures making post-storm sightseeing especially dangerous.
Unsafe Indoor Emergency Lighting Choices
Selecting improper emergency lighting during a hurricane can create severe safety hazards inside homes and buildings. The use of candles and gas lanterns poses significant fire risks, particularly when strong winds can damage gas lines and create dangerous leaks.
These candle hazards have historically led to serious incidents during power outages, including the 2003 blackout. Having battery-powered devices ready ensures essential lighting remains functional during the storm.
Traditional battery-powered emergency lights often prove unreliable, with many failing within the first hour of use. While stationary emergency lighting may meet minimum code requirements, it frequently falls short in providing adequate illumination throughout interior spaces.
Proper portable lighting solutions are essential, as flashlights can be unreliable and prone to rapid battery discharge. Industrial-grade light sticks offer a safer alternative, providing consistent illumination for extended periods.
These devices guarantee sufficient lighting for both evacuation purposes and first responder operations, while eliminating the risks associated with open flames during hurricane conditions.
Critical Evacuation Order Mistakes
When authorities issue mandatory evacuation orders during hurricanes, residents often make critical mistakes that endanger both themselves and emergency responders. One of the most serious errors is ignoring or delaying compliance with these orders, mistakenly believing their homes can withstand the storm's impact. A crucial step before evacuation is to ensure you have a ready-to-go kit packed.
Proper evacuation route planning is essential, yet many residents disregard designated routes, opting instead for unauthorized paths or fire roads that may become hazardous. Emergency communication strategies, including weather alerts and official notifications, are frequently overlooked, leading to dangerous situations where evacuees become trapped or isolated.
Another critical error is the misguided attempt to defend property against hurricane forces. This decision often stems from inadequate preparation, such as not having a ready-to-go emergency kit or thorough evacuation plan.
History demonstrates that those who choose to "ride out" hurricanes face severe risks, particularly from deadly storm surge, which remains the leading cause of hurricane-related fatalities.
Improper Home Safety Preparations
A common but dangerous misconception is that taping windows provides protection during a hurricane, when in fact tape offers no meaningful defense against storm damage and can create hazardous glass shards.
Unsecured outdoor items become lethal projectiles during hurricane-force winds, capable of shattering windows and damaging homes.
Homeowners must remove or properly anchor all exterior objects, including furniture, decorations, and trash bins, while protecting windows with appropriate materials like properly installed plywood or hurricane shutters. Delaying home preparations can leave residents scrambling for supplies and facing dangerous conditions when the storm arrives.
Window Taping Dangers
Despite its widespread popularity as a hurricane preparation method, taping windows creates a dangerous false sense of security while potentially increasing the risk of injury.
The practice fails to provide meaningful window safety and can actually worsen the situation by causing glass to break into larger, more hazardous shards when impacted by debris.
Security professionals emphasize that tape offers virtually no glass protection against hurricane-force winds or flying objects. A recent survey shows that seven out of ten homeowners incorrectly believe window taping is an effective safety measure.
Instead of wasting time with ineffective window taping, homeowners should invest in proven protective measures such as impact-resistant windows, hurricane shutters, or properly installed plywood covers.
Safety and security window films or laminated glass panels represent more reliable alternatives that can effectively prevent glass from shattering inward during storms.
These solutions provide genuine protection while reducing the risk of injury from broken glass.
Unsecured Outdoor Items
One of the gravest hurricane preparation mistakes involves leaving outdoor items unsecured during severe weather events. Loose furniture, decorations, and landscaping materials can become dangerous projectiles in hurricane-force winds, causing severe property damage and potentially life-threatening situations.
Proper outdoor safety measures are essential components of storm preparedness. Homeowners must secure or store patio furniture, trash cans, and potted plants indoors. Heavy items like gas grills and propane tanks should be anchored securely outside, as bringing them indoors creates additional hazards. Consider installing overhead storage racks to maximize available space for storing outdoor items.
Never use swimming pools as temporary storage, as this can damage both the items and pool structure. Instead, implement permanent anchoring solutions for heavier items and develop a thorough storage plan for smaller ones.
Regular maintenance, including trimming weak tree branches and clearing rain gutters, further reduces risks during severe weather.
Post-Storm Safety Mistakes to Prevent
Many preventable accidents occur in the critical hours and days after a hurricane has passed. Understanding post-storm hazards and implementing proper reentry precautions can prevent serious injury or death.
Residents must wait for official clearance before returning to evacuated areas, as structural damage, gas leaks, and live electrical wires pose significant risks. Immediate reporting of downed power lines to local authorities is essential for community safety.
When cleanup begins, individuals should wear appropriate protective gear, including heavy gloves, safety goggles, and sturdy boots. Standing floodwater contains dangerous pathogens and chemicals, making direct contact hazardous.
Wildlife displacement, particularly snakes and alligators, creates additional dangers in flooded zones.
To prevent further property damage, immediate action is required to address water damage and potential mold growth. Covering damaged roofs and windows with tarps or boards helps minimize additional exposure.
Documentation through photographs or videos supports insurance claims, while proper disposal of spoiled food prevents illness during recovery efforts.
Deadly Flood Water Misconceptions
Moving water becomes lethal at surprisingly shallow depths, with just six inches capable of knocking down an adult and twelve inches sufficient to sweep away a small vehicle.
Many people dangerously underestimate flash floods by relying on past experiences with minor flooding, leading to delayed evacuations and increased risk of harm.
Understanding flood escape routes before disaster strikes is critical, as rising waters can quickly cut off primary evacuation paths and trap residents in dangerous locations.
Floodwaters conceal hazards like sharp debris and open manholes while carrying toxic contaminants, making any attempt to traverse them potentially fatal.
Moving Water Danger Levels
Despite common misconceptions about flood safety, even shallow moving water poses grave dangers during hurricanes. Just six inches of fast-moving floodwater carries enough force to knock adults off their feet, making water rescue operations extremely hazardous.
At one foot deep, rushing water becomes powerful enough to lift and carry vehicles away.
Storm surge presents an even greater threat, with the potential to raise water levels by 30 feet or more. This devastating force can destroy buildings and infrastructure within minutes.
Proper flood preparedness requires understanding that no depth of moving water should be considered safe to traverse, whether on foot or in vehicles.
Two feet of water is sufficient to sweep away most cars, while flash floods can arrive without warning, leaving little time for evacuation.
Flood Escape Routes Matter
Three vital misconceptions about flood escape routes put lives at risk during hurricanes. People often assume their property's location outside flood zones guarantees safety, yet 25% of flood claims originate from low-risk areas. Many underestimate the urgency of evacuation orders, while others lack essential flood insurance coverage for natural disasters.
| Emergency Preparedness | Flood Escape Actions | Safety Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor local alerts | Know evacuation routes | Avoid flooded roads |
| Pack emergency supplies | Designate meeting points | Stay informed |
| Secure documents | Follow official orders | Locate shelters |
| Stock essential items | Plan communication | Check insurance |
Effective flood escape planning requires understanding that just one inch of water can cause $25,000 in damage. Emergency preparedness must include detailed evacuation routes, designated safe shelters, and proper insurance coverage to guarantee both personal safety and financial protection.
Essential Power and Utility Safety Errors
Electrical hazards pose significant risks during hurricanes, making power and utility safety paramount for survival. Common mistakes include failing to implement proper utility surge protection through surge protectors or circuit breakers, and neglecting to unplug major appliances before the storm hits.
Residents often overlook the critical step of documenting emergency utility contact numbers and keeping them accessible.
Generator operation safety errors can prove fatal. Operating generators indoors or too close to windows leads to deadly carbon monoxide accumulation. Attempting to power an entire house through an improperly wired generator creates serious electrical hazards.
During storms, people frequently make the dangerous mistake of approaching downed power lines or standing in water near compromised electrical equipment. Another critical error is assuming utilities are safe to use after the storm without professional inspection.
Residents must treat all fallen wires as energized and avoid touching any electrical equipment that has been exposed to floodwater.
About The Public Claims Adjusters Network (PCAN)
Public claims adjusters serve as essential advocates for policyholders maneuvering the complex landscape of insurance claims after disasters like hurricanes.
These licensed professionals work independently to protect policyholder interests while managing all aspects of the claim process, from initial documentation to final settlement negotiations.
Key responsibilities of public adjusters include:
- Conducting thorough damage assessments and documenting losses with photographs, measurements, and detailed reports.
- Analyzing insurance policies to identify coverage benefits and potential areas of dispute.
- Preparing extensive claim submissions that account for both visible damage and long-term property value impacts.
Working with public adjusters can be particularly valuable during hurricane recovery, as they possess specialized knowledge of construction costs and business interruption calculations.
While they charge a percentage of the settlement, their expertise often results in more favorable outcomes for policyholders.
State regulations require clear fee disclosures and protect consumers through licensing requirements and operational guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe to Use a Portable Generator Inside My Garage?
Operating a portable generator inside a garage is extremely dangerous and potentially lethal.
Even with garage ventilation, carbon monoxide from the generator can quickly build up to fatal levels. The colorless, odorless gas penetrates living spaces rapidly, and opening doors or windows provides inadequate protection.
Generator safety protocols require placing units at least 20 feet from buildings, downwind from any openings, to prevent deadly carbon monoxide exposure.
Should I Fill My Bathtub With Water Before the Hurricane Hits?
Filling the bathtub before a hurricane is a critical water storage preparation step.
The stored water provides an essential supply for non-drinking purposes, including toilet flushing and basic sanitation, if municipal water systems fail.
For proper bathtub preparation, clean the tub thoroughly, guarantee the drain plug seals completely, and fill with cold water.
Cover the filled tub with a clean sheet to prevent contamination.
How Long Can Refrigerated Food Last During a Power Outage?
During a power outage, refrigerated food remains safe for up to 4 hours, provided the refrigerator door stays closed.
Maintaining refrigerator temperature below 40°F is critical to prevent food spoilage. After 4 hours without power, or if food temperature exceeds 40°F for more than 2 hours, perishable items must be discarded.
Non-perishable items like condiments generally remain safe.
Using appliance thermometers helps monitor temperatures accurately and guarantee food safety.
When Is the Best Time to Turn off My Home's Main Power?
The ideal time to turn off a home's main power is when specifically instructed by emergency officials or utility companies.
Safety precautions require turning off individual circuits before the main breaker to prevent electrical shock.
During a power outage, residents should only attempt shutdown if they can safely access the circuit breaker panel and conditions are dry.
Never attempt electrical work in wet or flooded conditions.
Are Plastic Window Coverings an Effective Alternative to Plywood or Shutters?
Plastic window coverings are highly effective alternatives to traditional plywood or shutters.
High-impact polycarbonate panels offer superior strength against flying debris and extreme winds while providing better visibility.
These coverings are lighter, easier to install, and require less storage space than plywood.
Their durability, UV resistance, and customization options make them a reliable window protection alternative that often meets insurance and building code requirements.
References
- https://www.mass.gov/info-details/hurricane-safety-tips
- https://www.consumerwatch.com/safety-resources/hurricane-safety/
- https://www.fema.gov/blog/hurricane-safety-tips-learn-what-do-during-and-after-hurricane
- https://www.marforcom.marines.mil/Portals/36/Safety_Tips/MFC_2024_Hurricane_Prep_Safety_Tips.pdf
- https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6637e1.htm
- https://wrightsimpactwindowanddoor.com/is-plywood-enough-to-protect-your-home-from-a-hurricane/
- https://www.businessinsider.nl/things-you-should-never-do-during-a-hurricane-2019-7?international=true&r=US
- https://www.stormshutterspecialist.com/blog/storm-shutters-mistakes
- https://www.stormtightwindows.com/blog/things-people-should-not-do-during-a-hurricane/
- https://www.aspwindows.com/8-biggest-hurricane-window-fails/
