Stay inside for the duration of the storm.

During the Storm

  If you must stay home:

• Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors (flying objects). Close shades, blinds and drapes.
• Keep a supply of working flashlights and extra batteries and spare bulbs handy.
• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for storm progress reports.
• Avoid using open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
• If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power "surge" when electricity is restored.
• Conserve refrigeration and open your refrigerator or freezer ONLY when needed.
• If necessary, cover yourself with a blanket, doona or tarpaulin, under a sturdy table, etc. Go to the strongest part of the house (bathroom or cellar).
• Avoid using the phone during storm (lighting danger).
• REMAIN INSIDE: Listen to your radio for the all clear. Don't be fooled by a lull, it may be the eye of the storm passing over your area.
• REMAIN INSIDE: The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction.
• REMAIN INSIDE: Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds that blow from the opposite direction.
• REMAIN INSIDE: Tornadoes can happen during and after a hurricane passes over.

Source: FEMA and Various Emergency Management Agencies