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Basement Or Attic: Which Is Safest During A Storm?

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If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, part of your readiness plan should include the safety measures your household will take if they are not able to evacuate for any reason. If the authorities call for an evacuation, following their instructions should always be your first course of action. However, if the period of time for safe evacuation passes and you are still at home, going outside can be more dangerous than staying put. Different parts of your home will provide varying amounts of safety and where you are can make all the difference. Be sure you know these guidelines if you must remain homebound during a severe storm.

Keep Communication Devices At The Ready – It's integral that you maintain knowledge of the situation outside. A portable, battery-operated radio, your telephone and computer are all good options for trying to keep in touch with the outside world. If you have an at-home generator, your electricity will remain on and your communication devices will stay operable. Make sure you have as many options for communication available to you as possible, and that they are with you at all times.

Know Your Zone – If you live in an evacuation zone, the potential for flooding may be high. Know ahead of time what the specific dangers are in your immediate area and how they will impact your particular type of housing structure. If you live in a private house that is situated in a flood zone, staying out of the basement and going up two or three stories to an upper level is a good idea but you should also avoid the attic or top floor, in case there is a roof collapse. If you live in a high rise building, stay below the highest elevations, where hurricane-force winds can do severe damage.

Secure Your Home – No matter what type of house you live in, fortifying your premises is a must, whether an evacuation is called for or not. Board up windows and glass doors with cut-to-fit plywood or other impact-resistant material, tie down anything outside which could fly around projectile-style and make sure your roof is in good condition and secure. Know how to turn off your utilities if the authorities urge you to do so and learn how to use sandbags properly, to minimize flood damage. No matter what precautions you take, do not remain in a room that has windows or glass doors or has objects that can become airborne.

Create A Safe Shelter – A windowless, interior area on a middle floor will provide the best shelter for you during a hurricane. In many houses, this will be a bathroom built away from the exterior walls. Make sure the bathroom won't self-lock and that you are able to get in and out as needed. In other homes, an interior closet will provide the best protection. Determine the best place in your home to wait out the storm and prep it ahead of time. Gather your household members including pets, and bring a supply of water and food with you, as well as a light source such as a flashlight. You'll also need a radio, your communication devices and a first aid kit, as well as the medications people may need and blankets or mattresses to place over each person, in case you need additional, protective cover. You may also opt to utilize a hallway or stairwell as your safe space but no matter where you wait out the storm, don't leave the area until an all clear from the authorities has been given. If it seems suddenly calm and you're tempted to go outside to check things out, you may unpleasantly find yourself in the eye of the storm with several hours of severe weather still ahead of you.

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

Learn more by visiting CBS New York's Storm Prep section

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