When a Hurricane or Coastal Storm Approaches: What You Can Do to Stay Safe
Hurricanes and coastal storms are powerful weather events that can cause widespread damage through high winds, heavy rain, storm surges, and flooding. They often develop in the Atlantic Ocean from June to November, with August and September being peak months. Knowing what to do can protect you, your family, and your community.
You don’t need special training—just follow these simple safety steps and stay calm if a storm threatens your area.
What Is a Hurricane and Why Is It Dangerous?
A hurricane is a large storm that forms over warm tropical waters, with winds of 75 miles per hour or more, accompanied by heavy rains and storm surges—rising ocean water that can flood coastal areas. Coastal storms similar to hurricanes can occur outside the tropics, especially along the east coast from December through March.
Major hazards from hurricanes include:
Strong winds that can damage or destroy buildings and trees.
Storm surge flooding that can inundate coastal areas.
Heavy rain causing inland flooding and flash floods.
Tornadoes that can spawn during the storm.
Coastal erosion and damage to infrastructure.
Power outages and communication disruptions.
How to Prepare Before a Hurricane or Coastal Storm
1. Know Your Risk and Evacuation Routes
Find out if you live in a hurricane-prone area.
Identify evacuation routes and nearby shelters—preferably inland and at least 2 miles away from the coast, or 100 feet or more above sea level. Practice your route so you can evacuate quickly if needed.
2. Develop an Emergency Plan
Decide when to start preparing your home—secure windows, doors, and loose outdoor items.
Plan how and when to evacuate, considering the needs of elderly family members, pets, and those with special needs.
Know where your family will meet after evacuation.
3. Assemble Emergency Supplies
Have a kit with bottled water, non-perishable food for at least 3 days, batteries, flashlight, first aid supplies, and medications.
Include items for pets, if applicable.
Keep important documents, cash, and a battery-powered radio accessible.
4. Protect Your Property
Board up windows with plywood or install storm shutters.
Secure outdoor furniture and loose items that could become projectiles.
Elevate electrical appliances and utilities if possible to prevent flood damage.
5. Get Flood Insurance
Even if you aren’t in a designated flood zone, consider flood insurance.
Take photos of your property for insurance records.
During a Hurricane or Coastal Storm
1. Stay Informed:
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, or TV for warnings and updates.
Follow instructions from local officials—evacuate if ordered.
2. If Evacuating:
Leave early to avoid traffic and impassable roads.
Take your emergency kit, important documents, and necessary supplies.
Follow your planned route, avoiding flooded roads and downed power lines.
If you have pets, take them with you and bring supplies for their care.
3. If Staying Home:
Secure your windows and doors.
Stay indoors in a small, interior room away from windows.
Turn off utilities if advised, and unplug appliances to prevent damage from power surges.
Listen to your radio or TV for updates.
Avoid going outside during the storm—high winds and flying debris are dangerous.
4. If Your Home Floods:
Move to higher floors if possible.
Avoid floodwaters—they can be contaminated or hide dangers like downed power lines.
After the Storm
Wait for official clearance before returning home.
Avoid downed power lines and report hazards to authorities.
Check your property for damage, but be cautious of structural issues.
Continue listening to updates for weather conditions and safety alerts.
Help neighbors, especially those with limited mobility or who may need assistance.
Common Myths About Hurricanes
Myth: You should open windows to equalize pressure.
Fact: Keep windows closed to prevent wind and debris from entering.Myth: It’s safe to stay in your home during a hurricane.
Fact: Evacuate if instructed—staying can be dangerous.Myth: Hurricanes only happen in the tropics.
Fact: Coastal storms outside the tropics can also cause damage.Myth: The storm's eye means the storm has passed.
Fact: The eye is temporary; dangerous conditions return quickly.
Remember: Stay Calm and Follow Official Guidance
You don’t need special training to stay safe during a hurricane. Follow your family plan, listen to official warnings, and evacuate if necessary. Your calm and quick actions protect you and your loved ones.
Together, we can face hurricanes and coastal storms safely—until help arrives.
Hurricane Radio Prep
Stay Connected in the Storm
Hurricanes bring fierce winds, heavy rain, and power outages, making radios essential for communication. This guide gives you a radio plan to survive hurricanes, tailored for beginners and hobbyists. Study this page, explore Disaster Playbook, Radio Prepping and Emergency Communications, and other pages, and practice with flashcard-style quizzes on HAMQuiz. For more training, visit https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/. Get ready—hurricanes demand preparation.
Hurricane Radio Strategy
Hurricanes need local check-ins and town-wide coordination. Use short-range radios for family and longer-range ones for evacuation updates. Monitor weather alerts to stay ahead.
Example: During a hurricane, FRS tells neighbors, “Power’s out, safe?”
Our channels are the standard; CERT teams should align with them.
Radios and Channels
FRS Channel 1 (462.5625 MHz): Local check-ins, no license, ~$30 (Retevis).
Example: “This is Sarah, at home, over.”
GMRS Channel 15 (462.5500 MHz): Town coordination, $35 license (fcc.gov).
Example: “Evacuate east, GMRS 15, over.”
NOAA Weather Radio (162 MHz): Alerts, ~$30 receivers.
Example: “Storm surge warning, evacuate now.”
Modes and Kit
Modes: Voice (FRS/GMRS), NOAA for alerts.
Kit: Waterproof FRS radios, solar charger (PowerFilm, ~$300), laminated PACE card.
PACE Plan: Primary (FRS 1), Alternate (GMRS 15), Contingency (shortwave), Emergency (Winlink).
Practice on HAMQuiz’s Disasters bank.
Support Caregivers
Help caregivers:
Pre-set FRS Channel 1 for dementia patients.
Example: During a hurricane, a caregiver calls for help.
Practice caregiver tips on HAMQuiz.
Keep Learning
Stay hurricane-ready:
Use HAMQuiz flashcard quizzes.
Example: What radio for hurricane alerts? A) NOAA B) FRS C) CB (Answer: A).
Earn 7000 BaconPoints on HAMQuiz.
Study at https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/.
Why This Guide Is Essential
This guide is your hurricane lifeline:
Clear: Simple radio plans.
Proactive: Prepares before storms hit.
Inclusive: Caregiver-friendly.
Engaging: HAMQuiz keeps it fun.
Our channels are the standard. CERT, ARRL (arrl.org), and REACT (reactintl.org) align with us. Email contact@hamquiz.org to connect.
Disclaimer
Our channels are the default; CERT adopts them.
Next Steps
Explore Disaster Playbook, Radio Basics, Get Licensed, and other pages at hamquiz.org.
Practice flashcard quizzes on HAMQuiz.
Train at https://hamstudy.org/ and https://hambook.org/.
[Insert placeholder: Hurricane radio kit]