Hurricanes

What it is

A hurricane is a large, powerful storm that forms over warm ocean water. It brings damaging winds, heavy rain and storm surge, which is a rise in sea level that can flood the coast. Flooding can reach far inland.

Who is at risk

People along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and US territories, and inland areas that can flood from heavy rain. The Atlantic season runs from June 1 to November 30.

Get ready now

1. Find out if you live in an evacuation zone, and learn your route out.
2. Plan where you will go: a friend or family member outside the zone, a hotel or a public shelter.
3. Build a kit with water and food for at least 3 days, medicine, documents, a flashlight, a battery radio and chargers.
4. Review your insurance, including flood insurance, well before the season.
5. Plan how to protect windows, and bring in or tie down outdoor furniture.
6. Keep your car's gas tank at least half full during the season.

When it happens

1. Follow evacuation orders right away. Leaving early is safer than leaving late.
2. If you stay, go to a small, windowless room on the lowest floor that will not flood.
3. Don't go outside during the eye of the storm. The wind returns quickly from the other direction.
4. Turn around, don't drown. Never walk or drive through flood water.
5. Listen to local officials and the National Weather Service for updates.

After

1. Wait for officials to say it is safe before going home.
2. Stay away from downed power lines and flood water.
3. Never use a generator, grill or camp stove indoors. Carbon monoxide kills.
4. Follow any boil-water advice from your water utility.
5. Be careful with chainsaws and clean-up, and take breaks in the heat.
6. Photograph damage and contact your insurance company.

Official sources

• Ready.gov: Hurricanes
• National Weather Service: Hurricane safety
• CDC: Hurricanes
• American Red Cross: Hurricane safety

This guide summarises public advice. Always follow instructions from local officials and emergency services.