What to do if you can’t evacuate from Hurricane Milton: survival guide

Hurricane Milton is approaching Florida, United States, with force, and although authorities have issued evacuation orders, Not everyone manages to leave on time or, in some cases, there are citizens who do not want to leave their homes. This cyclone, which has reached category 5 twice in the last 72 hours, has weakened slightly to category 4, but remains extremely dangerous, with winds of up to 250 km/h.

>>>> Read here: watch Hurricane Milton’s arrival in Florida live

It is expected to make landfall on the west coast of Florida this Wednesday, seriously affecting the Tampa Bay area. The authorities have declared a state of emergency in 51 of the state’s 67 counties and Evacuation orders have been issued in nine of them.

If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial to know how to protect yourself and stay safe. We offer you a detailed guide given by experts on What to do if you cannot evacuate from Hurricane Milton.

Immediate preparations

The first thing you should do is Find a safe haven within your home. look for a interior room without windows, preferably on the lowest level of the house. Bathrooms and closets are usually good options. Make sure you have on hand a mattress or mat to protect yourself from possible debris.

emergency kit

Prepare an emergency kit with the following essential items:

• Drinking water (at least one gallon per person per day)
• non-perishable food
• Necessary medications
• Flashlights and additional batteries
• Battery operated radio to receive updates
• Important documents in a waterproof bag
• Warm clothing and blankets

Tools and supplies

• Wrench or pliers: to turn off gas or water valves if necessary.
• Whistle: to ask for help in an emergency.
• Dust masks: to help filter polluted air.
• Plastic tarp and tape: to set up a temporary shelter.
• Wet wipes, garbage bags and plastic seals: for personal hygiene.

Documents and personal items

• Important documents: copies of identification documents, insurance policies, medical records and any other essential documents.
• Cash: ATMs may not be operational during and after the hurricane.
• Outerwear and bedding: Includes blankets and sleeping bags.
  Personal hygiene items: toilet paper, toothbrushes, soap, etc.
• Medications: includes both prescription and over-the-counter medications that you may need.

Other useful articles during the Hurricane Milton emergency

• Portable chargers: to keep your electronic devices charged.
• Local maps: in case the navigation systems do not work.
• Insect repellent and sunscreen: to protect you from bites and the sun.

during the hurricane

It is vital to stay informed about the evolution of the hurricane. Use a battery-powered radio to listen to updates from local authorities and follow their instructions. Avoid using mobile phones to conserve battery in case of emergency.

Avoid windows

Stay away from glass windows and doors. Strong winds can break glass and cause serious injuries. If possible, reinforce them with shutters or wooden boards before the hurricane hits.

Disconnect electrical appliances

Unplug all electrical appliances to avoid damage from possible power outages or power surges. If it is safe to do so, turn off the gas and water valves to prevent leaks.

after the hurricane

Once the hurricane has passed, safely assess damage. Do not leave your shelter until authorities say it is safe to do so. Be careful with downed power lines and unstable structures.

Contact authorities

Report your situation and any significant damage to local authorities. If you need help, call emergency services. Stay calm and follow the instructions of the rescue teams.

Help the neighbors

If it’s safe, Offer help to your neighbors, especially the elderly, children and people with disabilities. Solidarity is crucial in times of crisis.