If you live in a coastal area, you are particularly prone to hurricanes, which can strike at any time. Immediately following a hurricane, you should pay crucial attention to radio reports for the latest updates. If you have been evacuated, do not return to your home until officials have reported it is safe to do so. Avoid any pools of standing water, and especially avoid flooded roads. Do not drive unless you have been told it is safe to do so. When outside, watch for fallen objects or weakened structures, including roads and bridges. Be especially careful to avoid and report any downed power lines you come into contact with. Use your best judgment to avoid buildings you think may be unsafe, especially if you smell gas. Check for any damage to the infrastructure of your home, including cracks in your home’s foundation. It is also advisable to use battery-powered flashlights rather than candles, as the latter can provide an extreme fire hazard. 

Aside from the obvious devastation, hurricanes bring with them the fear of what to do next. With these crucial safety tips, you can know exactly where to go from here.