On August 25, 2017, the Weather Channel warned that Hurricane Harvey could reach category three levels as it makes its way across the Gulf Coast of Texas.
According to their reports, it's the first time a storm has reached such a drastic downpour in 12 years. While that can be scary for those living in the area, making sure you and your loved ones are properly prepared before the rain starts to fall can help keep everyone safe.
That includes avoiding the dangerous mistakes listed below.
Seeing as it's been so long since a Category 3 storm has crossed paths with the area — and because of the always looming possibility for more storms in the future — it's a good idea to remind yourself of all the ways to stay safe.
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1. Wait Til The Last Minute To Stock Up
I'm one of the worst procrastinators in the world, but even I know it's a bad idea to drag my feet when preparing for extreme weather.
In fact, if you live in an area where hurricanes are a frequent occurrence, it's a good idea to have a stash of canned food, water, and other nonperishables in your home just in case.
2. Hunker Down In The Basement
Unlike tornadoes where the basement is often the safest place to wait out the storm, hurricane flooding can seep its way into the underground area and rise high enough to cause drowning.
3. Refuse To Evacuate
If authorities are urging you to leave the area: Do it!
Even if things don't really reach the level of danger they claim, it's always better to be safe than stubbornly refuse to budge. Besides, the folks in charge don't usually make that recommendation lightly.
4. Run A Generator Willy-Nilly
If you plan on using a generator to keep the lights on during blackouts, make sure to also invest in a carbon monoxide monitor.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also advise against running the generator in any enclosed space, to prevent accidental CO poisoning.
5. Use Your Computer
This might sound strange, but if you attempt to use any electronic device connected to an outlet while the storm is happening, a power surge could suddenly cause it to be severely damaged — or even inflict painful injuries on the user.
6. Go For A Stroll Outside
This should be obvious, but too many people think it's perfectly fine to squeeze in one last errand or take their pooch out for a quick potty break.
Flood waters can rise fast and become dangerous before you even realize its happening, so it's best to stay indoors.
7. Get Behind The Wheel
An even worse idea than walking around outdoors during the storm is attempting to take your vehicle out on the road.
Again, the waters rise fast and folks often find themselves having to abandon their stalled cars in the middle of high floods. The water can also cause costly damages.
8. Underestimate The Eye
Even experts can be surprised by how quickly the calm breaks between downpours last, so it's really not smart to try and make a guess yourself.
It's always best to just wait until the entire storm has passed before venturing outdoors.
9. Forget To Make A Plan
Being prepared is the most important way to keep you and your loved ones safe. Ready.gov offers a few helpful recommendations:
- Know your evacuation route
- Check that your supply bag is well stocked with a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of your loved ones’ official information in case of evacuation
- Trim any trees that might cause damage
- Clean and secure rain gutters and dowspouts
- Reinforce your windows and doors
- Keep a close eye on the news for updates
10. Let Yourself Panic
Obviously, the severe weather can cause high stress levels. Allowing your emotions to get the better of you, however, will only make the situation even worse.
If you find yourself losing your cool, try to take a few breaths before things get carried away.
Do you know anyone who lives in an area with hurricanes?
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