18 Extra Crisis Tips: Survival Guide Extras

We already gave you the basic tools you need to survive anything in our August cover story, "Facing Down Disaster." Now, here are a dozen and a half more must-have rules that will equip you to survive sticky situations when you have only moments to spare.
We already gave you the basic tools you need to survive anything in our August cover story, “Facing Down Disaster.” Now, here are 18 more tips that will equip you to survive sticky situations when you have only moments to spare. 

Tornado 

• Head to your basement. If your home doesn't have one, go to a storm shelter or a neighbor’s basement or, at the very least, the lowest floor of your structure. Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible, and avoid corners, windows and doors.
• Get under a sturdy table and protect your head and neck with your arms.
• Do not open windows.
• Make sure you are dressed and have shoes on. It may be hard to find such things after the storm, and you will have to walk through debris.
• If you’re in your car, get out and seek shelter. Do not get under an overpass or bridge; you're safer in a low, flat location.

Flood 

• If you have time before evacuating, shut down power at the main switches in your home and disconnect any electrical appliances. Move valuable or essential items to higher floors.
• Don’t touch electrical equipment if you’re wet or standing in water.

Thunderstorm 

• Get inside a home, building or hardtop automobile.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors; if no shutters are available, close your curtains.
• Avoid showering and bathing; plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity, making you vulnerable if lightning strikes.
• Use a corded phone only in emergencies; cordless and cell phones are safe to use.
• Unplug appliances, computers and air conditioners; power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• If you’re outdoors during a thunderstorm, avoid tall, isolated trees in open areas, which act as natural lightning rods; hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water; isolated sheds in open areas; and anything metal, including motorcycles, golf carts and clubs, and bicycles.
• If you’re in a forest during a thunderstorm, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees. In an open area, find a low place like a ravine or valley (be on the lookout for flash floods). If you’re on open water, get to land and seek shelter immediately.

Hurricane 

• Secure and brace external doors. Close all interior doors.
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level of your home.
• Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy piece of furniture.
• Keep your curtains and blinds closed; stay away from your windows, even if there is a lull. It could be the eye of the storm, and winds will pick up again.