Hurricane Preparedness Week: Use Caution After Storms

As Hurricane Preparedness Week continues, today’s focus is something many people overlook once the wind and rain move out: staying safe after the storm.

Even after a tropical storm or hurricane passes, dangerous conditions can continue for hours or even days. Floodwaters, downed power lines, damaged roads, and debris often create some of the biggest risks following a storm system.

For Rowan County and surrounding communities, tropical systems can still produce impacts far inland, especially heavy rainfall, flash flooding, isolated tornadoes, and extended power outages.

Floodwaters Remain Extremely Dangerous

One of the most important reminders after any tropical system is:
Never drive through flooded roadways.

It only takes a small amount of moving water to sweep away a vehicle, and many flood-related deaths occur after storms have already passed.

Flooded roads can also hide:

• Washed out pavement
• Debris
• Sinkholes
• Downed utility lines

If you encounter a flooded roadway:
Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

Downed Power Lines

After tropical systems move through, downed power lines can create life-threatening hazards.

Always:

• Stay far away from fallen lines
• Assume every line is energized
• Report damaged lines to utility companies or emergency officials
• Avoid standing water near downed lines

Even trees or fences touching power lines can become dangerous.

Generator Safety

Power outages are common after tropical systems, but improper generator use can quickly become deadly.

Generators should:

• Only be used outdoors
• Be kept away from doors, windows, and garages
• Never be operated inside homes or enclosed spaces

Carbon monoxide poisoning increases significantly after storms due to improper generator usage.

Be Careful During Cleanup

Storm cleanup often leads to injuries from:

• Heat exhaustion
• Chainsaw accidents
• Falls
• Sharp debris

Remember to:

• Wear gloves and sturdy shoes
• Stay hydrated
• Take breaks frequently
• Use proper protective equipment

If temperatures are hot and humid after a storm, cleanup conditions can quickly become dangerous.

Continue Monitoring Forecasts and Alerts

Even after the center of a tropical system moves away, additional hazards can still develop.

Watch for:

• Flash flood warnings
• River flood warnings
• Tornado warnings
• Additional rounds of heavy rain

Conditions can continue changing rapidly after tropical systems move inland.

Hurricane Preparedness Starts Before the Season

Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1st, and now is the time to review plans, supplies, and safety procedures.

This week is a great reminder that hurricane preparedness isn’t just about preparing before the storm — it’s also about staying safe after the storm passes.

Rowan County Weather will continue sharing Hurricane Preparedness Week information throughout the week to help keep our communities informed and prepared.