Skip to Content Accessibility Information

Maryland Department of Emergency Management

CDC Warns Those in Hurricane’s Path: Follow Local Instructions

Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are urging people in the path of Hurricane Irene to protect themselves from storm hazards. In addition to storm surges and high winds, hurricanes can cause tornadoes, flooding, and dangers from downed power lines and debris. CDC also recommends taking specific steps to protect yourself and your family from the oncoming storm.

Before the storm:

  • If evacuating, pack an emergency supply kit with food, bottled water, prescription medicines, and important document, such as insurance policies.
  • If you plan to drive, fill your car?s gas tank as soon as possible.
  • Turn off gas, electricity, and water, and disconnect appliances before leaving.
  • Take steps to ensure your pets? safety during the storm.
  • Follow designated evacuation routes for your area, and expect heavy traffic.

If you stay home during the storm:

  • Pack an emergency supply kit with necessities such as food, bottled water, and prescription medicines to last from three to five days.
  • Determine the best escape routes from your home, and make sure that everyone in your house is able to follow the escape plan to your chosen meeting place outside your home.
  • Look for escape routes from upper levels of the house, in case of flooding.
  • Do not go outside, even if the weather seems calm. Wait for local authorities to tell you it is safe to go outside.
  • If your home is flooded or damaged, move to a neighbor?s or a local shelter.

 

After the storm:

  • NEVER touch a downed power line or anything in contact with one.
  • Turn off electrical power when there are hazards around your home such as standing water, fallen power lines, or gas leaks. Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician.
  • Stay away from damaged buildings or structures until they have been examined and certified as safe by a building inspector or other government authority. Leave immediately if you hear shifting or unusual noises that signal that the structure is about to fall.
  • Listen to announcements in local media (radio, television or newspaper) to find out if it?s safe to use tap water, and follow instructions regarding water.
  • If you are not sure if water is safe to use, boil it for 1 minute at a rolling boil before you use it for anything, including brushing teeth, cooking, drinking, making ice, or bathing. Seehttp://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater/facts.asp for more specific instructions.
  • Throw away any food that may have been touched by floodwater.
  • Use battery-powered lanterns and flashlights, instead of candles, to prevent fires.
  • Generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, or charcoal burning devices release dangerous carbon monoxide gas and should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, or camper, or even outside near an open window or vent. Follow manufacturers? instructions.
  • Use teams of two or more people to move bulky objects. Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person).

For more information about staying safe and healthy during hurricane season, call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or visitemergency.cdc.gov or www.ready.gov.