Emergency? Call 112 now. Dispatchers will guide you through these steps on the phone.
The same storm is called a hurricane in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, a typhoon in the Northwest Pacific and a cyclone in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. The deadliest hazards are storm surge and inland flooding, not wind.
- Know your evacuation zone and leave when ordered — storm surge can rise several metres in minutes.
- Secure the house: shutters or boarded windows, tie down or bring in outdoor items, trim trees.
- Stock up on water, food, medication, fuel and cash for a week; charge all devices.
- Shelter in a small interior room on the lowest level not at risk of flooding.
- The calm eye passes — the wind will return from the opposite direction. Stay inside until officials give the all-clear.
- Generators must run outdoors, far from windows, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Last reviewed October 22, 2026 against current public guidance from national resuscitation councils and Red Cross / Red Crescent first-aid manuals. General education only — not a substitute for certified training or professional medical advice. Medical disclaimer · Suggest a correction