In the path of a storm? here’s how to prepare and evacuate safely

If you live in an area that is affected by hurricanes or tropical storms and don't have an emergency preparedness plan, it's time to think ahead and take action.

Hurricanes are major storms with destructive winds, torrential rains, and abnormally high waves. They almost always form above water and can gradually make their way toward land. Hurricanes are categorized on a scale of 1 to 5. A Category 1 hurricane is defined by winds between 74 and 95 miles per hour (mph). On the opposite end of the spectrum, a Category 5 hurricane will have at least 157 mph winds.

But the most serious threat from a hurricane is storm surge. This is when water from the ocean is pushed toward the shore by strong winds. This surge combines with normal tides, which can increase the sea water level in coastal areas by 30 feet or more.

If you hear there's a hurricane watch in your area, it means one is possible within 48 hours. A hurricane warning means one will likely occur within 36 hours, in which case it's important to have a plan.

"You will usually have plenty of notice when a hurricane may hit your area," says R. Preston Wendell, MD, FACEP, Medical Director for Trident Health Emergency Departments in Charleston, South Carolina. "Take it seriously and be as prepared as you can be."

Where to start

Before a storm hits, create an overall emergency plan with your family. Learn your evacuation route and designate a place to stay if it becomes too dangerous to remain at home. Arrange how you'll communicate if there's a power outage and find out how to get alerts and updates—such as via social media or radio broadcasts—from local authorities. Make sure your whole family knows the plan.

Consider the needs of each family member. "If you are responsible for young children or an elderly parent, the situation can change from manageable and survivable to dangerous really quickly," says Dr. Wendell.

For seniors or people with medical or mobility issues, be aware that extreme weather may worsen health conditions. You should expect that routine medical care may be disrupted by a storm or its aftermath. If an electric medical device is being used, call your fire department and electric company before a hurricane to alert them that you have it, and consult with the manufacturer to see if it can run on batteries or a generator. (Always check a device's settings before you begin using it again after a power outage.)

Make sure any designated shelter can accommodate your loved one's medical needs. If they are in a care facility, ask the managers about their hurricane policy. "They may expect you to transport your family member," says Wendell. "You need to know what their plan is and what they expect of you."

Plan for your pets, too. Keep dogs and cats close and make sure they're wearing an identifying collar with tags or they're microchipped. Since certain evacuation centers won't allow animals, contact area shelters or your local department of animal control beforehand to ask about accommodations.

Whether you're staying or going, secure loose outdoor items like garbage cans and children's toys if you have time. You may also want to buy or borrow a portable generator in case you're without power. If you’ve been ordered to evacuate, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises you to shut off your main gas valve and main power switch.

What to have on hand

If you have not been ordered to evacuate and plan to stay at home, it's a good idea to stock up on essential supplies. You should have items on hand that will help you get by and stay safe if you are without power or water, or if you are not able to access a supermarket or drugstore for any length of time.

Key provisions to have on hand include:

Water: The CDC recommends at least 5 gallons per person, which should last up to five days. Buy supplies, like iodine tablets, to help ensure the safety of your drinking water.

Food: Non-perishable items, such as peanut butter and jelly, canned fruit and vegetables, cereal or granola bars are ideal. Make sure you have a supply that will last up to five days.

Medications: Refill prescription medications ahead of a storm. And store your supply in a watertight container.

Personal hygiene items: Stock up on important toiletries, such as soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, baby wipes, diapers, and tampons or pads.

Safety supplies: Have a first-aid kit, face masks, radio, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, plastic bag of matches, and at least one flashlight. Don't forget extra batteries. Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working.

Contact lists: Phone numbers and email addresses are key for reaching family, friends, or help. Write them down or program them into your phone (which should be fully charged, of course).

If an evacuation is pending, you may want to have a bag packed and ready to go. Remember to fill your car with gas and be prepared to leave as directed in the event of an evacuation.

When to evacuate

If a hurricane is approaching, when should you stay home and when should you listen to officials and move to a safer area? The answer is simple: Always follow evacuation orders.

"If they recommend you should go, you should go," says Wendell. Don't ignore evacuation orders. Shut off your gas, electricity, and water if there's time. Take only what you need—your phone, IDs, medications, money, and a bag with clothing and other essentials—and leave.

Officials may also tell you to wait it out at home, which can be safer in some circumstances. If that's the case, remain indoors during the hurricane and stay tuned to news reports.

After the storm has passed

If you left town or were evacuated, you may be tempted to return home immediately after the storm is over, hoping to resume life as usual—but that might not be possible. "You may think it's fine to go back," says Wendell. "But trees could still fall, there may be debris everywhere, roads may be damaged and power lines may be out. It simply may not be safe to just drive up to your house and check on things."

Wait for authorities to give the go-ahead and heed their instructions closely. Steer clear of wreckage, avoid downed power lines, and stay away from floodwater, which may spread disease or carry hazardous debris or chemicals. Even if it seems shallow, just a few inches of water can sweep you off your feet, and 12 inches can move a small car.

Once you've arrived home, let your loved ones know you're safe and take photos of damage for insurance claims. "Then you're going to want to check your gas line, your water," says Wendell. If there was a flood, throw out food that may have been contaminated and don't turn on dampened electrical devices. If you use a generator, be aware of the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning and keep it far from the house—at least 15 or 20 feet.

Finally, whether you remained home or evacuated, understand that services may take a while to start up again. "Grocery stores are going to be down. Pharmacies are going to be down. Gas may be out," says Wendell. "Hospitals are going to be extremely crowded because many doctors’ offices will be closed." Police and emergency medical services may be limited, too, he adds. Depending on the damage, it could be a long time before they're back up to speed.

In that case, says Wendell, "Pay attention to what your local government is saying about what services are available, what services are closed, and when closed services will reopen."