[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/07\/hurricane-safety-tips\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/07\/hurricane-safety-tips\/","headline":"Hurricane Safety: Essential Tips for Travel","name":"Hurricane Safety: Essential Tips for Travel","description":"What safety measures should you take before, during, and after a hurricane?","datePublished":"2016-07-07","dateModified":"2018-08-29","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/emergency-medicine","name":"Trauma & Emergency Medicine","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/emergency-medicine","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/trauma-emergency-medicine\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Hurricane-Safety.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Hurricane-Safety.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/07\/hurricane-safety-tips\/","about":["Living and Wellness","Safety"],"wordCount":271,"keywords":["emergency medicine","hurricanes","safety tips","Storm safety"],"articleBody":"When hurricanes strike land, they can wreak havoc on homes, communities \u2014 and sometimes \u2014 your vacation plans. Learn more about protecting yourself and your family in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm.What Is a Hurricane?A hurricane, also called a tropical cyclone, is a rotating low-pressure system that forms over tropical or subtropical waters. It\u2019s generally accompanied by severe thunderstorms with strong wind speeds. Heavy rains and flooding are also common.Learn more by visiting the UPMC Trauma Care website.Preparing for a HurricaneReinforce windows by covering them with plywoodSecure your outdoor items, like lawn furnitureUnplug appliances and turn off propane tanksTurn off refrigeratorsFind shelter by going to a secure building on high groundHead to the grocery store to stock up on several days’-worth of food and waterPack a kit with first aid items and other essentialsIf you’re staying home, make sure you have an evacuation planStaying Safe During the StormRemain indoors, even if things seem to calm down. Remember, the storm will resume after the “eye” has passedStay in a secure room and avoid windowsSafety After the Hurricane Has PassedAvoid standing water, because it might be electrically chargedLimit your phone calls. Only use your phone for emergency callsDo not drive: Debris and water make it dangerousIf you’re using a generator, only do so when you’re outdoorsAvoid downed power lines, and report them immediately to authoritiesDo not drink tap water until authorities deem it safeUse flashlights instead of candles to limit fire hazards  "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"07","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/07\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Hurricane Safety: Essential Tips for Travel","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/07\/hurricane-safety-tips\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]