Preparing for a Hurricane
Medical Authors and Editors: Barbara K. Hecht,
PhD and
Frederick Hecht, MD
Reviewing Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
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).
Next: How can I make sure our water is safe? »
- Anxiety - Read about anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder, GAD) causes, physical symptoms and signs, medications and treatment. Learn about symptoms (worry, fear) and other types of anxiety disorders.
- Stress - Read about stress symptoms, signs, causes and treatment. Get information on stress management tips, the effects on the body and stress types (teen, job, PTSD).
- Dehydration - Read about dehydration (definition: excessive water loss) in children, treatment, symptoms (thirst, dry mouth, dark urine) and causes (vomiting, diarrhea).
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