As Hurricane Dorian barrels toward the Florida coast, people in the storm’s path need to be ready. DOD

Hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property of all natural disasters – bringing powerful winds, dangerous storm surges, inland flooding and tornadoes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.

When a hurricane is on the way, members of the Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the “Hurricane Hunters,” often fly into the storm to gather and send back data to forecasters on the ground. 

On the ground, Army officials say more than 300,000 National Guardtroops are trained and ready to assist with hurricane response including evacuations, communications, delivering supplies and maintaining order. Along with its military manpower, the Guard also deploys helicopters, boats and high-water vehicles.

Seven Tips to Be Ready if a Storm is Coming

1Monitor local radio and TV for updates. The path of the storm could change quickly and unexpectedly.2Hunker down and take shelter.3Communicate with friends and family.4Keep away from windows. Close storm shutters; flying glass from broken windows could injure you.5Prepare for power outages. Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting, and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer.6Storm surges pose a great threat to safety and can cut off potential evacuation routes. If you’re told to evacuate, don’t wait.7Avoid driving through flooded areas. Almost half of flash flooding deaths occur in vehicles.

Video Storm Surge is fast and dangerous flooding caused by hurricane winds.

Tom from Mexico Beach, Florida, survived Hurricane Michael. Listen as Tom describes the storm and storm surge. Watch a variety of storm footage and see its destructive nature. 

Floods

Failing to evacuate flooded areas, entering flood waters, or remaining after a flood has passed can result in injury or death. Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Floods may:

• Result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems.
• Develop slowly or quickly – Flash floods can come with no warning.
• Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.

 IF YOU ARE UNDER A FLOOD WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
  • Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
• Determine how best to protect yourself based on the type of flooding.
  • Evacuate if told to do so.
  • Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
  • Stay where you are.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A FLOOD THREATENS

Prepare NOW

• Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• If flash flooding is a risk in your location, then monitor potential signs, such as heavy rain.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.
• Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately, or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets. Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.
• Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect and can protect the life you’ve built. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
• Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.

Survive DURING

• Depending on where you are, and the impact and the warning time of flooding, go to the safe location that you previously identified.
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
• If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, then stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, then seek refuge on the roof.
• If trapped in a building, then go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Go on the roof only if necessary. Once there, signal for help.

Be Safe AFTER

• Listen to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid driving, except in emergencies.
• Snakes and other animals may be in your house. Wear heavy gloves and boots during clean up.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris and be contaminated. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.