During The Storm - Live5News.com | Charleston, SC | News, Weather, Sports

You should always follow instructions issued by local officials.  Leave immediately if told to do so.  Only stay in a home if you have NOT been ordered to leave.

Stay tuned to LIVE 5 NEWS for emergency information.

Make sure you have a battery powered radio and weather radio to stay informed in case power does go out.

Stay inside a well constructed building.

Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.  You should also turn off propane tanks, unplug appliances and turn refrigerator to the coldest setting and keep closed.

Fill a bathtub and large containers with water.

Stay away from windows and doors, even if they are covered.

Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, hallway or basement if available.  If you live in a two-story home, choose a room on the first floor.

Close all interior doors and brace exterior doors if possible.

Lie on the floor under the table, or another sturdy object.  Some protection is afforded by covering with a mattress during the height of the storm.

If the eye of the storm passes over, it will be calm for a short period of time.  REMAIN INDOORS!  As soon as the eye passes over, winds increase rapidly to hurricane force from the opposite direction.

Be alert.  Hurricanes often spawn tornadoes.

Remain calm.  It may take several hours for the storm to pass.