Disaster Don'ts: What Not To Do In Case Of An Emergency

Life happens, and with it, weather emergencies. Hurricanes and severe storms can quickly escalate to disastrous proportions, many of which are compounded by human error. You can avoid making a bad situation worse by never doing these don'ts.

Don't Leave Utilities Turned On – Never second guess the local authorities if they have recommended shutting off the gas line. Natural gas leaks and explosions are not unusual after severe weather events and are a common cause of fire. Every household member should know the proper shut-off procedure for your particular type of meter, but shouldn't practice, as gas should never be turned back on by anyone who isn't a professional. Tape the turnoff instructions by the meter in large, easy-to-read print instead. Leaving the electricity turned on can further exacerbate potential fire hazard, as electrical sparks might ignite leaking gas. This can be avoided by turning off the circuit boxes.

Don't Leave The Water On – In the event of an emergency, clean water may become scarce. If the local authorities urge you to shut off your main house valve, do so, and don't turn it back on until you get the all clear, to avoid drinking contaminated or dirty water which may be caused by pipes which crack during the storm.

Don't Play With Fire – Power outages are not opportunities to barbecue indoors. Never use charcoal or any type of outdoor cooking appliance inside of the home as these can easily create hard-to-contain noxious fumes or fire. Candle use should also be avoided. Make sure to have an ample supply of flashlights and batteries on hand so that every family member can carry one around with them during a blackout.

Don't Wait To Stock Up On Supplies – Whether you're able to stay at home or need to evacuate, having food, water, clothing and medical supplies at-the-ready and in ample supply is a must. Unless you really love standing in long lines or staring at empty store shelves, keep storm supplies and a fully stocked go-to bag on hand at all times. Make sure to include prescription medications for all household members and pet supplies.

Don't Give In To The Grid – The power can go out and stay out for an extended period of time, making life uncomfortable and less safe. Having a home generator can make waiting out the storm easier and more comfortable. It can also help save money by eliminating food spoilage issues.

Don't Get On Elevators – Elevators should be turned off prior to a hurricane or severe storm, to protect both its circuitry and potential occupants. Never get on an elevator during an emergency as it can flood or open its doors onto an explosive fire situation.

Don't Forget Your Neighbors – If you have neighbors who are elderly, live alone or have special needs, check in on them prior to the storm and if possible, have them stay with you until it passes, particularly if they require life-saving equipment and you have a home generator.

Don't Tie Up Phone Lines – Try to stay off the phone during emergencies, and text whenever possible in order to keep the lines free for emergency crews. This helps the 911 system stay operable and keeps the community-at-large safer.

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