Preparing for a Hurricane

Black Widow vs. Brown Recluse Slideshow

Medical Authors and Editors: Barbara K. Hecht, PhD and Frederick Hecht, MD
Reviewing Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

• Introduction to hurricane preparation
• What are hurricane aftermath health concerns?
• How can I store food safely?
• How can I make sure our water is safe?
• How do I perform first aid for injuries?
• How should I clean mold from my house?
• How can I prevent injuries after a hurricane?
• Wear protective gear
• Beware of electrical hazards
• Avoid carbon monoxide
• Prevent musculoskeletal injuries
• Beware of structural instability
• Avoid hazardous materials
• Be prepared for fires
• Prevent drowning
• Reduce the risk of thermal stress
• Prevent fatigue-related injuries
• What can I do to cope with stress after a hurricane?
• How do I deal with wild and domestic animals in a disaster?

Introduction to hurricane preparation

The stresses and strains of an approaching hurricane or major storm can take a toll on family, friends, and neighbors. There are also worries about the psychological stress on the thousands who have fled storm-damaged homes to stay with friends and family, sleep in crowded shelters, or stay in cramped motel rooms. The stresses and strains created by displacement can promote domestic violence, substance abuse, depression, and even suicide.

To help prepare for an encroaching hurricane (including how to prepare a hurricane kit), read through this list of ways to prepare before it hits, and what action to take once the hurricane or major storm has passed.

What are hurricane aftermath health concerns?

How can I store food safely?

Your refrigerator will keep foods cool for about four hours without power if it is unopened. Add block or dry ice to your refrigerator if the electricity will be off longer than four hours.

Thawed food can usually be eaten if it is still "refrigerator cold," or re-frozen if it still contains ice crystals. Discard any food that has been at temperatures greater than 40 F (4.44 C) for two hours or more, and any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.

While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep food cold for as long as possible.

If the power is out for longer than four hours, follow the guidelines below:

• Use dry ice, if available: 25 pounds of dry ice will keep a ten-cubic-foot freezer below freezing for three to four days. Use care when handling dry ice, and wear dry, heavy gloves to avoid injury.
  
  
• For the freezer section: A freezer that is half full will hold food safely for up to 24 hours. A full freezer will hold food safely for 48 hours. Do not open the freezer door if you can avoid it.
  
  
• For the refrigerated section: Pack milk, other dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, gravy, and spoilable leftovers into a cooler surrounded by ice. Discard this food if it is held at a temperature greater than 440 F (4.44 C) for more than two hours.
  
  
• Use a digital quick-response thermometer to check the temperature of your food right before you cook or eat it. Throw away any food that has a temperature of more than 40 F (4.44 C).