What Should You Avoid During a Cyclone: Safety and Survival Tips

When facing the challenges of a cyclone, it is crucial to prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you. Many everyday activities can become dangerous or even deadly during such severe weather conditions. Here are some essential things to avoid during a cyclone to ensure your safety and the well-being of your community.

Activities to Avoid During a Cyclone

The list of activities you should avoid during a cyclone is extensive, as the storm's strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential for extreme damage can turn nearly any routine task into a life-threatening situation. Here are some of the most critical things to avoid:

Driving: Avoid driving, especially if conditions are severe. Cyclones can cause significant flooding and debris on roads, making it difficult to navigate safely. If you are already on the road, seek shelter in a parking garage or a sturdy building. Exposure to Outdoor Risks: Do not go outside as you could be in danger from flying debris, falling trees, or exposure to lightning. Stay indoors and avoid areas with large windows or doors that could be broken. Open Umbrellas: Attempting to open an umbrella in a cyclone is both dangerous and impractical. Strong winds can cause you to lose control and the umbrella can become a dangerous projectile. Outdoor Activities: Avoid activities such as washing your car, taking your dog for a walk, ordering pizza delivery, flying a Frisbee, or going to the beach. These activities are not only risky but can also disrupt emergency response efforts.

Additional Safety Measures

In addition to avoiding certain activities, there are a number of other measures you should take to ensure your safety during a cyclone:

Shelter in Place: If conditions are bad, stay indoors and seek cover in a well-constructed, interior room, such as a bathroom, hallway, or closet. Avoid areas with large windows or skylights. Warmth: Keep your body warm, as temperatures during a cyclone can drop, and exposure can lead to hypothermia. Emergencies Planning: Have an emergency preparedness plan in place. This should include staying informed through local news, weather apps, and emergency alerts. Ensure you have a well-stocked emergency kit with essentials like water, food, and first aid supplies. Protect Your Home: Take steps to secure your home before the cyclone hits, such as boarding up windows or securing loose items that could become projectiles.

Community Preparedness and Education

Communities must also be prepared and educated to handle the threat of cyclones effectively. Key actions include:

Building Resilience: Construct shelters that are designed to withstand cyclone and earthquake conditions. Ensuring that these shelters are available in disaster-prone areas is crucial. Disaster Training: Provide disaster training to every community member, especially those in coastal areas. Youth programs can play a significant role in disaster preparedness and response. Awareness Campaigns: Organize awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of cyclones, particularly where tornadoes are common. Promote the use of safe shelter areas and proper protective measures.

Personal Anecdotes and Expert Advice

To further illustrate the importance of these measures, consider the following personal anecdote and expert advice:

One day, my father-in-law and I were playing 3 par golf in the Texas panhandle when the winds started to pick up. The wall of a forecasted sandstorm was approaching about 10 miles away. Despite the strong winds, we had to hit our ball off the tee standing 70-90 degrees facing away from where we wanted the ball to go. This experience reinforced the unpredictability and danger of severe weather conditions.

From pilot training in Lubbock, Texas, in 1966, when we were in a tornado alley, the advice was to go to a basement/cellar or the lowest part of any building, preferably the southwest corner. This was based on the belief that tornadoes came from the southwest, but modern science has shown that tornadoes can come from any direction, not just southwest.

Conclusion

Understanding what to avoid during a cyclone can significantly reduce personal risks and contribute to community resilience. By staying informed, securing your home, and following expert advice, you can better prepare for and respond to the challenges posed by these severe weather events. Remember, the safety of yourself and your loved ones should always be the top priority when a cyclone approaches.