Hurricane Maria
An Inhabitant of the Puerto Nuevo neighborhood walks through flood water during the passage of Hurricane Maria, in the neightborhood Puerto Nuevo, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017. Maria slammed into Puerto Rico on Wednesday, cutting power on most of the US territory as terrified residents hunkered down in the face of the island's worst storm in living memory. After leaving a deadly trail of destruction on a string of smaller Caribbean islands, Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico's southeast coast around daybreak, packing winds of around 150mph (240kph). HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images

Hurricanes are disastrous and deadly and with hurricane season in full swing, it's highly recommended to stay prepared and keep safe. Though most hurricanes vanish in the ocean before touching ground, it's always good to stay as safe as possible. Since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, here's a reminder of things to keep in mind if you're in the path of the tropical cyclone.

PREPARING FOR A HURRICANE/BEFORE THE STORM

  1. Know all evacuation routes,

    -- whether living at a home or apartment building.

  2. Cover your windows with plywood boards or storm shutters.
  3. Have canned foods and water bottles, among other non-perishable foods, stocked up.
  4. Have a first aid kit handy.
  5. Have plenty of batteries and flashlights.
  6. Secure outside objects.
  7. Have plenty of fuel and water.
  8. Leave low-lying areas.
  9. Evacuate immediately if called to.
  10. Pay attention to local weather reports on radio, television, or the Internet.

DURING AND AFTER THE STORM

  1. Stay in a secure room with your family.
  2. Stay away from all windows.
  3. Do not use the phone or candles.
  4. Monitor Weather and Civil Service Bulletins on either regular or NOAA radio.
  5. Never operate a generator inside your home.
  6. Remain indoors at all times, especially when the eye of the hurricane moves over your area.
  7. After the storm, make sure that everything is clear outside and that the storm has passed.
  8. Never touch a fallen power line or drive through standing water if a downed power line is nearby.
  9. Report downed power lines to local authorities.
  10. If flood waters reached the level of electrical outlets, contact a licensed electrician.
  11. Use stored water, food, and supplies.
  12. Be patient.
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