Hurricanes are powerful storms that have devastating impacts on people, property and the environment. Learn how to protect yourself and your family. It is important to know how to respond when a hurricane strikes.
If you are indoors:
Stay indoors, away from glassed areas.
Turn on a battery-operated radio or television and listen for the latest emergency information.
If told to leave, grab your disaster safety kit and go immediately to the designated shelter. Be sure to follow the recommended evacuation routes – never take shortcuts.
If in a mobile home, get out and seek shelter elsewhere.
If power is lost, turn down major appliances to reduce power "surge" when electricity is restored.
If you are outdoors:
If possible, get inside a building.
If there is no shelter, lie down in a ditch or ravine.
Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Stay away from bridges and overpasses.
If you are in a vehicle:
Immediately stop the car and turn off the engine.
Get out of the vehicle and seek shelter in a building, ditch or ravine.
Become familiar with your community’s hurricane warning system. Every member of your family should know what to do when a hurricane warning or watch is released. Learn about the disaster safety plans in the workplace and at your children’s school and/or childcare centre.
Create a family disaster safety plan. Assemble a disaster safety kit. Together, identify escape routes from your home and neighborhood. Choose an emergency meeting place for your family. Be prepared!
The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction
Toronto Office 20 Richmond Street East, Suite 210, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2R9, Tel: (416) 364-8677
