Be Alert, Be Informed, Be Prepared - A New York Guide to Weathering Emergencies

Hurricanes and Flooding

New York State’s hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. While those living along the Atlantic coast are at more risk for high wind and hurricane damage, everyone in the state is vulnerable to extensive flooding from inland-moving storms.

High Winds: Both hurricanes and tornadoes can produce violent, damaging winds. Unless you live in a coastal, low-lying area or manufactured home, you won’t necessarily be evacuated. Take the following actions to protect yourself, your family and your property.

Make sure your home meets current building code requirements for high winds.
Protect your windows with commercial shutters or by having 5/8-inch plywood panels on hand.
Trim dead wood and overhanging branches, and clear away excess gravel and rocks.
Bring in all lawn furniture or other objects that could become projectiles.
Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and only open when necessary.
Turn off propane tanks and unplug major appliances.
Designate an interior first-story room with no windows or external doors as a “safe room,” even if it’s a closet. Do not leave the “safe room” until local officials say so, even if the winds seem to have calmed.
If instructed to evacuate, leave as soon as possible.

Inland Flooding: Severe storms produce large amounts of rain, which could lead to inland flooding. A Flash Flood or Flood Watch means that flooding is possible in your area. A Flash Flood or Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or has been reported. Take immediate action.

Know the elevation of your property, your insurance coverage and the fastest, safest route to high land.
Fuel your cars because gas stations may not pump for several days.
In flood-prone areas, keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, plastic garbage bags, lumber, shovels, work boots and gloves handy for emergency water-proofing.
Make an itemized list of all valuables, including furnishings, clothing and personal property.
Keep your rain gutters and downspouts clear of clogs.
Move all outside possessions inside and, if there’s time, move essential items and furniture to upper floors in the house. Disconnect electrical appliances that can’t be moved.
Avoid driving into water because there’s no way to tell how deep it is. Two feet of water will float your car, and water moving at two miles per hour can sweep your car away. Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related.
After a flood, test drinking water. Throw away fresh food that had contact with flood water and wash contaminated canned goods with soap and water. Stay away from downed power lines.

Lightning Safety

Did you know lightning kills more people in this country each year than tornadoes? Lightning is simply the building and discharge of electric energy, which is released as a flash of light, or a bolt, that heats the air to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This rapid heating of the air then produces a shock wave, thunder. Being struck by lightning is potentially fatal.

During a storm, stay indoors whenever possible.
Avoid contact with corded phones and electrical equipment. Phone use is the leading cause of indoor lightning injuries in the United States because lightning can travel through the wires.
Avoid contact with plumbing, meaning don’t wash your hands, shower or do the laundry.
Avoid contact with concrete walls and floors, which may contain metal reinforcing bars or wire mesh.
If you’re outside, pay attention to the sky.
During a storm, listen for thunder and when heard, immediately seek shelter. Even if the sky looks clear, lightning can travel sideways for up to 10 miles. If there isn’t a safe building nearby, find a hard-topped all-metal vehicle.
If the time between when you see the flash and hear the thunder is 30 seconds or less, the lightning is close enough to hit you.
Lightning hits the tallest object - including trees - so make sure you aren’t it. If there’s nothing around you, crouch down as low as possible.
Avoid metal. Drop metal backpacks, fishing rods, golf clubs, tennis rackets, etc. and stay away from bicycles, motorcycles, fences, clothes lines and exposed sheds.
Stay out of the water, including puddles.
Avoid huddling in a group.
If someone is struck by lightning, call 911 and get medical attention as quickly as possible.