Top tips for staying safe during a hurricane

Hurricanes can cause a great amount of destruction to homes and the environment around them. Check out this list of tips for staying safe and protecting your property during a hurricane.

A hurricane watch is issued by Environment Canada when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24 to 36 hours.

• During a hurricane watch, stay tuned to your radio or TV for hurricane progress reports.
• Check your emergency supplies, and fuel your getaway car.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools.
• If you have a boat, run it up into a protected cove if possible, and moor it with extra strong lines.
• Tie down objects that cannot be brought inside.
• Tape or board up windows or close storm shutters.
• Remove any outside antennas.
• Because you may lose electricity later, turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings. Open them only when absolutely necessary, and close them quickly.
• Freeze bottles of water to extend the time you can keep food cold.
• Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and cooking pots.
• Carry your valuables to a secure location, preferably on the second floor.
• Review your evacuation plan.

A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 119 kilometres/74 mph or greater, or dangerously high water and rough seas) are expected to hit within 24 hours.

• During a hurricane warning, listen to your radio or TV for official instructions while you complete preparations.
• As the winds build, if you have not been told to evacuate, stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
• If you live in an identified flood zone, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or, better yet, move it to a higher floor.
• Don't use your phone or car except for an emergency.
• If power is lost, unplug major appliances to protect against power surge damage when the electricity is restored.

If officials call for evacuation, carry out any final tasks to secure your home and head to the evacuation point as soon as possible.

• If you haven't done so already, unplug appliances and turn off the electricity, water and gas.
• Call someone outside of the storm area to say where you are going.
• Load the car with pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm, protective clothing.
• Take sleeping bags and blankets to use in the shelter.
• Lock up before you leave.
• Drive inland or to higher ground, according to the evacuation plan, while also avoiding flooded roads.

Significant devastation can occur after a hurricane. Often, roads are closed due to fallen trees and flooding, and people can be stranded in their homes.

• Stay tuned to a local radio station for information.
• Help injured or trapped persons.
• Return home only after authorities advise that it is safe.
• Drive only if necessary, and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
• Avoid loose or dangling power lines, and report them immediately to the power company, police or fire department.
• Beware of snakes, insects and animals driven to higher ground by floodwaters.
• Enter your house with caution.
• Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
• Check refrigerated foods for spoilage.
• Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and to its contents, for insurance claims.

While a hurricane can be a scary situation, being prepared and aware of the weather forecast is the best way to make sure you stay safe and your home isn't damaged. Having a hurricane evacuation plan and an emergency supply kit will go a long way to protecting you from this natural disaster.