The danger doesn't end after the hurricane passes. Hazards include polluted flood water, which can hide other dangers. Downed power lines may be live and pose an electrocution risk. Heat & Humidity are health issues.
Image Credit NOAA NWS

Beware of Danger After the Storm Passes

Of all hurricane related fatalities from 2017-2021, deaths occuring after the hurricane outnumbered deaths during the hurricane, according to a Yale University article. Greater awareness of the typical hazards like storm surge and extreme wind may play a part in tipping the balance from fatalities blamed directly on the storm to the indirect fatalties that follow the storm.

People 60 or older may be at more risk than younger people from indirect deaths. Older people are more susceptible to heat related issues and overexertion. Heat from the warm ocean fuels the hurricane and is left behind as the storm loses energy once over land, leaving hot, humid weather for a week or more. 38 people in the analysis period died from heat-related causes.

Clean up safely. Don’t overexert yourself. Drink plenty of water. Find a place to cool off. It’s not worth a heart attack, heat stroke, or other serious issue.  Take your time and wear light, comfortable clothing.

If you evacuated, don’t return until local authorities say it is safe. Don’t give up that hotel or motel room until you know for certain you have someplace to go that is safe and livable. A damaged home without power or water isn’t where you want to go. In the three days that follow the storm, and potentially longer, communications, medical care, and other help may be difficult to access or find. You can’t dial 911 if all forms of communication are down.

If you stayed and the storm has passed, take a careful walk around your home, in the daylight, to check for downed or loose power lines, damaged gas lines or gas leaks, and serious structural damage. Watch out for debris like broken glass and sharp objects torn from other buildings.

Leave your home if you hear or feel the structure shifting, smell gas, or it sustained substantial damage.

Floodwaters are their own hazard and may hide other hazards like downed power lines, washed out roads and bridges, or sinkholes. The water is polluted with sewage and contact could make you ill. Other pollutants include chemicals. Floodwater can also pollute the local wells and treatment plants.

Flooded roads ands streets are very dangerous. Don’t walk in floodwater. Never drive on a flooded road. It only takes 12 inches of moving water to sweep a car away.

Power grid issues are responsible for at least 30 percent of the post-hurricane deaths that follow a hurricane. In the analysis period from 2017-2021, carbon monoxide poisoning—mainly attributed to the improper use of portable generators which claimed 48 lives. 39 people died by electrocution.

Portable Generator Safety Rules to Follow After a Hurricane

How to Use a Generator for Emergency Home Power

Place portable generators at least 20 feet from your home and all other homes in the vicinity. Only use heavy duty outdoor-rated extension cords. Consider a manual transfer switch for simple and safe connection to your home.

Hurricane Preparedness

Post Hurricane Power: Portable vs Standby

The standby generator is the easiest way to restore power during and after a hurricane. It starts automatically—even during a hurricane— and runs for days or weeks until the power company restores power. They run on natural gas or the propane tank in your backyard. You won’t have to worry about finding gasoline or a propane tank to fuel up.

The right size portable generator will provide the power you need to stay safe and comfortable. Unless it is running on natural gas or a large propane tank, it required refueling 2-3 times a day. It won’t start automatically, and it needs protection from the weather. Most portables require an oil change every 2-4 days.

Portable vs Standby Generator: Need to Know