During a hurricane, which action helps protect you from winds?

• A. Get to shelter to shield yourself from winds
• B. Go outside to observe the storm
• C. Build a windbreak with outdoor furniture
• D. Open windows to balance pressure

Answer: (C)

During a hurricane, protection from the strongest winds comes from moving to a sturdy shelter and staying in an interior space away from windows. A solid structure—its walls and roof—acts as a barrier against wind and the flying debris that wind can carry, greatly reducing your exposure and injury risk.

Stepping outside to observe the storm offers no protection and puts you in direct contact with gusts and dangerous projectiles.

Trying to create a windbreak with outdoor furniture is unsafe because those items aren’t built to withstand hurricane forces; they can break, blow around, or become dangerous debris themselves, failing to protect you.

Opening windows to balance pressure is not helpful either and can actually increase damage by allowing more wind and pressure inside, potentially shattering glass or stressing the building.

So, the best approach is to seek shelter inside a sturdy building, in an interior room away from windows, and remain there until the danger from the winds has passed.