Hurricane safety: shelter first
Safety update: Hurricane Hilary occurred in 2023. For any current storm, follow your local emergency officials and evacuate immediately if ordered. A mattress or box spring is not a storm shelter and cannot prevent structural damage.
For extreme wind, the National Weather Service recommends sheltering in an interior room without windows in a well-built structure. It says a mattress can be used to cover yourself for added protection; it does not make the building safe or replace evacuation. Follow flood and storm-surge instructions separately: move away from flood-prone areas when directed.
Prepare before the storm
- Know your evacuation route and local alerts. Leave when authorities tell you to do so.
- Have water, medications, a flashlight and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio ready.
- If sheltering from high winds, use a safe room or a small, interior, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor, following local instructions. Do not delay shelter to move furniture.
- Afterward, follow official instructions and avoid floodwater, downed power lines and damaged buildings.
Read National Weather Service hurricane preparedness guidance for current instructions and local alerts.
Power outages and sleep
During an outage, keep a flashlight or battery-powered lantern, necessary medication and a radio nearby. Avoid candles because of fire risk. Stay alert to local weather and emergency instructions; do not use earplugs or headphones if they could prevent you from hearing a warning. Follow evacuation orders and move to an appropriate shelter when officials advise it.
Once the immediate danger has passed, comfortable bedding and battery-powered fans can make an outage easier. If indoor temperatures become unsafe, follow local public health advice and seek a safe cooling location.
Passing time during an outage
Books, games, journaling or quiet breathing exercises can help pass the time when it is safe to remain sheltered. Keep a battery-powered radio or phone alerts available, and follow directions from local authorities as conditions change.
Southern California, located along the western coast of the United States, typically experiences relatively mild weather compared to other regions. It is generally sheltered from the full force of hurricanes and tropical cyclones due to cooler ocean temperatures and prevailing wind patterns. However, there have been some exceptions. Here, we detail some of the most devastating tropical systems that have impacted Southern California:
Hurricane Kathleen (1976): Kathleen remains one of the most significant hurricanes to hit Southern California. The storm brought strong winds and heavy rainfall, causing severe flooding. The hurricane claimed six lives, destroyed hundreds of homes, and resulted in over $160 million in damages.
Tropical Storm Nora (1997): Although it had weakened from a Category 1 hurricane to a tropical storm by the time it made landfall in Southern California, Nora still caused considerable damage. The storm’s remnants brought heavy rainfall to the region, resulting in flooding, landslides, and significant property damage. Overall, Nora caused three fatalities and over $100 million in damages.
Tropical Storm Lidia (1981): Lidia’s remnants brought heavy rainfall to Southern California, causing flash flooding and mudslides. The storm caused three fatalities and millions of dollars in damages.
Tropical Storm Octave (1983): Although Octave did not directly impact Southern California, its remnants caused severe flooding in parts of the state. The storm claimed several lives, destroyed hundreds of homes, and caused millions of dollars in damages.
Hurricane Dolores (2015): Dolores did not make direct landfall in Southern California, but its remnants brought heavy rainfall to the region. The rain caused flash flooding, leading to property damage and transportation disruptions.
It’s essential to note that while these storms have been among the most significant to impact Southern California, they are rare events. The region typically sees less tropical storm activity than other parts of the United States, such as the Gulf Coast or Southeast. However, it’s always crucial for residents to stay informed and prepared for any potential storms, especially during hurricane season.
Hurricane safety questions
Can a mattress protect me during a hurricane?
A mattress is not a storm shelter and cannot protect a building from structural damage. The National Weather Service says you can cover yourself with a mattress for added protection from wind while sheltered in an interior room without windows. Do not delay reaching shelter or evacuating to move one.
Should I evacuate or shelter in place?
Follow local emergency officials and evacuate immediately if ordered. If sheltering during high winds, use a safe room or a small interior windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor of a well-built structure. Flooding and storm surge require different precautions, so follow local instructions for those hazards.
Should I build a barrier from a bed or box spring?
Do not rely on furniture as a shelter or a barrier against structural damage. Follow official guidance for your location and the hazard you face.
What supplies should I have ready?
Prepare water, nonperishable food, necessary medications, a flashlight and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Check your local emergency agency for a complete list and information about accessible shelters.
For current guidance, see National Weather Service hurricane preparedness.
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