The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. Although a storm can hit anywhere during that time, the risk of hurricanes is greater in tropical areas.
The height of the building determines how safe an apartment is during a hurricane, and this is one thing that should always be considered before deciding to move into a particular home. A taller apartment is often safer than a lower one, but this also depends on the type of hurricane and how severe it is.
A high-rise apartment has back-up generators to keep things powered up in the event that the electricity goes down during a hurricane. These generators typically run on gasoline and can be used to power a refrigerator, lighting, and some wall outlets in the case of an outage.
However, these back-up generators can only keep the building running for a certain amount of time and they can be damaged or even flooded in some cases. So, if you’re thinking of moving into a high-rise apartment, be sure to read the lease or ask about your property manager’s plans for storm prep.
Generally, the safest place for an apartment resident to stay in during a hurricane is an interior bedroom, bathroom or hall. This is because these rooms tend to be away from windows, where winds can be most damaging during a hurricane.
As with any type of emergency, communication is critical. Contact friends, family members, neighbors and your property manager to discuss what you can do to stay safe in your apartment during a hurricane.