(HealthDayNews) -- There is usually plenty of advance warning before a hurricane hits. To help you stay safe, the United Way of Miami-Dade County (Florida) offers this advice:
Before the storm:
- Stay informed by listening to weather reports.
- Know the difference between a hurricane watch -- issued when there's a threat of a hurricane within 36 hours -- and a hurricane warning -- issued when the storm is expected to strike an area within 24 hours or less.
- Know the hurricane categories: category 1 is less powerful than category 5.
- Learn the location of the nearest shelter.
- Trim trees and clean up loose debris.
- Stock up on important supplies, such as plywood, non-perishable foods, water, flashlights, battery-operated radio, first-aid kit, and essential medicines.
- Develop an emergency communication plan. Make an out-of-state relative or friend the family contact.
