Current:Home > reviews3 easy mistakes can be deadly after a hurricane: What to know -WealthMindset Learning
3 easy mistakes can be deadly after a hurricane: What to know
View
Date:2025-04-15 22:19:28
The deadly effects of Hurricane Helene have left lingering dangers even in areas where the rain has stopped falling.
The storm has brought over 2 feet of rain in some locations, and even pushed a Tennessee dam to the brink of catastrophic failure Saturday two days after the storm made landfall as a category 4 hurricane in Florida. Dozens have died in the hurricane’s wake, including those far away from the Gulf of Mexico.
With flooded roads to widespread power outages, residents face imminent risks as days of cleanup lie ahead. Here are three important tips for staying safe after a major storm.
Mistake 1: Driving into floodwaters
Never drive through flood water or go around barriers, officials in North Carolina’s Mecklenburg County, which contains Charlotte, warned in a social media post.
Put more simply, the post said, “Turn around, don’t drown.”
Most deaths in flooding occur in cars, the National Weather Service said. Even a foot of water can sweep a car off the road.
In western North Carolina, officials have conducted over 130 water rescues, the Asheville Citizen Times reported. All roads in the region should be considered closed, and interstate freeways are impassible in multiple locations. Over 400 roads are still closed across North Carolina, state transportation officials announced.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is to stay away from the water,” Kevin Tipton, fire marshal for Buncombe County, which includes Asheville, said. “There are down power lines in the water, sewage in the water, and an incredible amount of debris. It is not safe.”
Mistake 2: Not being careful with a generator
Carbon monoxide deaths often increase after natural disasters like hurricanes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said. This is because running generators emits the toxic gas from combustion that's odorless and colorless.
Do not place generators in enclosed areas, such as a garage. Instead, place them outside, away from windows or doors by at least 20 feet.
Mistake 3: Missing warnings from officials
Approaching noon Saturday, the NWS issued a flash flood emergency for towns and cities below the Nolichucky Dam. Dam operators warned excessive water flow over the dam led to a risk of "imminent" failure, which would lead to flooding downstream for thousands of people.
“If you are in low-lying areas below the Nolichucky Dam, you should move to higher ground immediately,” the NWS said. “This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.”
Look for alerts and conditions from local emergency management authorities, FEMA and NWS. FEMA’s site also has a list of local officials, from Alabama to Tennessee, who are responding to the crisis. If in an emergency, call 911.
People should be ready to evacuate if ordered to do so. For people who have to move, the Red Cross recommends to-go kits with three days of supplies. A stay-at-home kit should have supplies for two weeks, given that stores and pharmacies could be shuttered for days.
Contributing: USA TODAY, Asheville Citizen Times
veryGood! (629)
Related
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- Woman who stabbed grandfather in the face after he asked her to shower is arrested
- What is Hurricane Idalia's Waffle House index?
- Sauce Gardner voted top cornerback by panel of AP Pro Football Writers
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- Forecasters warn of increased fire risk in Hawaii amid gusty winds, low humidity
- College Football Fix podcast: In-depth preview, picks for Week 1's biggest Top 25 matchups
- Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood's Marriage Advice for Robin Roberts Will Be Music to Your Ears
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- Memphis plant that uses potentially hazardous chemical will close, company says
Ranking
- South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
- For DeSantis, Hurricane Idalia comes at a critical point in his campaign
- New owner restarts West Virginia coal-fired power plant and intends to convert it to hydrogen use
- Jesse Palmer Reveals the Surprising Way The Golden Bachelor Differs From the OG Franchise
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- Suspect arrested in connection with deadly shooting at high school football game
- Former deputy in Massachusetts indicted for allegedly threatening to blow up courthouse
- Tropical Storm Idalia descends on North Carolina after pounding Florida, Georgia and South Carolina
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Canada issues warning for LGBTQ travelers in the United States
Political scientists confront real world politics dealing with hotel workers strike
New owner restarts West Virginia coal-fired power plant and intends to convert it to hydrogen use
Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
Memphis plant that uses potentially hazardous chemical will close, company says
Howie Mandell Reacts to Criticism Over His Comment About Sofía Vergara's Relationship Status
Bengals coach Zac Taylor dispels idea Joe Burrow's contract status impacting availability