How to Protect Yourself in a Hurricane
Hurricanes are strong storms that produce high winds and torrential rain. Unlike tornadoes, hurricanes can be spotted and tracked. Hurricanes often start out as tropical storms and as their wind intensifies, they are upgraded to hurricanes. Because hurricanes can be tracked, residents can be warned of their coming. This gives them time to prepare themselves for the hurricane's arrival so that they can protect themselves when it strikes.
Instructions
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Find a spot in your home away from any windows or glass doors. Hurricanes can blow these out easily and you don't want to be struck with a shard of glass. A large closet or bathroom with no windows is ideal.
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Make sure you bring a mattress into the room with you. You will need to cover yourself with it when the storm strikes. This will protect you from any flying debris. If the mattress is too heavy for your to carry, grab some pillows or couch cushions.
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Turn off your electricity. This is important because of the amount of water a hurricane can dump down. Water and electricity don't mix. As a precaution, you may want to unplug items such as air conditioners and televisions.
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4
Bring a battery powered radio in to the room with you. This will keep you informed of how the storm is progressing. You will also be able to hear when the storm is over and it is safe to come out of your room.
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Keep a flashlight with you in the room. You are bound to lose power even if you don't take precautions and turn the electric off. The flashlight will help you see so that you don't panic if you are afraid of the dark. You may also need the flashlight to help find a way out of the room if the hurricane has torn down some of your house.
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6
Throw some bottled waters and energy bars in a plastic shopping bag and bring it with you into your room. If the hurricane traps you in the room, you will have enough food and water to survive until help comes.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are in a building that is more than one story high, you will want to make your way to the lowest level of the building. Winds are stronger higher up, which makes it a more dangerous place to be.
Don't come out of your room the first time you hear that it is calm outside. This just means that you are in the eye of the hurricane. You will still have to go through another round of storm.
