Hurricane safety for runners is something with which I am exceptionally familiar. I’ve lived in Florida since 1994, and have first-hand experience with storm systems of all sizes and intensities. While I’m fairly accustomed to storms, I still keep my eyes on the tropics from June 1 through November 1, the recognized “hurricane season.” With reduced reporting systems, and unusual weather patterns as of late, it’s so important to be cautious and be prepared, especially when you see giant monsters like Erin whipping their way across the Atlantic. But with all that, fitness doesn’t stop for storms, so let’s talk about how to safely get your miles in when these weather events come to town. (This post is an update from August 29, 2023)
Watch The Weather Reports
The best way to stay safe is to keep an eye on the weather. I like the National Hurricane Center for regular updates, Tropical Tidbits for all the science and data, and Mike’s Weather Page for a local weather aficionado’s take on things. Denis Philips is a very well-respected Tampa weather person, and if Jim Cantore shows up in your area, you best head out of town. Things can change very quickly during tropical systems, so it’s important to stay up to date with any hurricane safety tips.
Stay Inside
Runners sometimes joke about the “do I or don’t I?” go for a run in rainy conditions, but in hurricane times, it’s best to err on the side of caution. For those of us who really love to run inside, now is really the time to embrace treadmill running. It’s not ideal, but it is the best choice. You might even have to resort to running laps around your house if your treadmill is a car ride away and the weather has deteriorated to a point where driving isn’t safe. When dealing with winds in excess of 40 mph, tornado warnings, flood warnings, and rain, it’s just better not to risk it. While the storm is overhead, stay indoors and protected.
Avoid Deep Puddles And Standing Water
After the storm clears, the issue of standing water is absolutely a factor. Sure, there are puddles, but some of those puddles can be full of hazards after a hurricane. Glass, sharp objects, and even snakes, might lurk beneath the surface of seemingly innocent puddles. It’s best to avoid them as much as you can.
Watch For Power Lines
Downed power lines after a massive wind event are another huff risk factor. Though we are in an area where most power lines are underground, we still do lose some. While they may look harmless, lines can be live, and absolutely pose a huge danger. Avoid them at all costs. Linespeople are the among the first to be deployed as soon as we get the all clear after a hurricane, and they are cleared fairly quickly.
Stay Alert
After a big storm, you may be faced with damage in your area. There could be downed tree limbs, sinkholes, debris, flooding, and so much more. If you go out, make sure to check your routes and stay super alert. It’s easy to get injured by tripping, or even by not looking out for distracted drivers trying to find their own safe routes.
Make Use Of Your Safety Gear
The aftermath of a hurricane is a great time to utilize all your safety gear. Make sure you equip yourself with your high-vis accessories, ID tags, and lights. Even on a seemingly safe route, you may deal with street lights outages, rerouted traffic, or other distraction for you or others. Make sure you can see and be seen to keep yourself as safe as possible.
Hydrate and Fuel Well
Florida is still hot this time of year, and hurricanes are notorious for taking out the power. It’s especially easy to get dehydrated or not eat as well as you normally might, while roughing it in the aftermath of the storm. Do your best to take care of yourself, get in your water, and stay fueled!
Any tips to add?
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It’s definitely smart to stay indoors during a storm! Hope you are staying safe!
Oh wow, that hurricane looks dangerous! A very good point about the power lines. There must be many who get injured or even killed that way.
Stay safe, Jenn!
I think death by power line is definitely one of the more common ways to go. The storm itself isn’t the killer: it’s the floods, lightning, power lines, etc.
Even snakes! Yikes! As A Californian I never could understand the fear of earthquakes. Hurricanes are much scarier. Great tips though I hope to never need them.
See, I am TERRIFIED of earthquakes. They come out of nowhere and OMG holes in the earth. We’ve had a whole week to prepare for this. If it’s too scary, we can leave. This one won’t be too bad for us, personally, but it will be devastating for a lot of the state.
It is definitely smart to stay inside until things are safe enough to go out again. Hope things are not too bad down there today!
No. Not up North.
Hope you are safe.
My friends on the Gulf coast decided to leave. Phew.
I’m glad. They said this thing is coming in just shy of a Cat 5. I understand why people stay, but it’s a terrible idea.
Good Luck Jen! It looks like this one is going to barrel through the state right towards Jacksonville. Because we’re so far south (and on the east coast) we’re missing the worst of this one. But schools and work are canceled for the day and we’re getting some strong winds, plus we’re under a tornado watch. I got out for a quick run last night before it got too bad, so I can stay inside today. We also have friends who have evacuated from the Gulf coast- it looks like it’s going to be terrible over there.
I hope you make out ok in the storm! I would definitely be staying inside. Stay safe!
It’s definitely smart to watch your local weather and not try to be a hero (or an idiot!) stay safe down there!
Are you getting hit by Idalia? Good luck!!! I hope your power stays on. I don’t have to tell you to stay safe because you obviously know how to do that.
I’ve been thinking of you lately with information of hurricane Idalia coming. Hope all is ok.
Some interesting things in this post that I wouldn’t have thought of, especially the power lines.
I heard some year ago that in flood water there can be crocodiles/alligators (I don’t remember if it was Australia or elsewhere)! I would definitely stay away.
Take care and I hope it doesn’t get too bad for you.
Excellent tips, Jenn! They are great ways to stay safe. And it’s always good to follow the authorities’ instructions. I never understand people who think that they can outsmart a hurricane!
Having experienced my first tropical storm (the first to hit land in California since 1939) I can understand how valuable these tips are. Since I was driving in it, not running I didn’t get a chance to see how it would go lol. One note from my point of view is that in areas where there are trails, it’s important to realize that, even after everything is dry, water causes significant damage to the trails. I experienced that myself on my run yesterday.
Here’s to hoping it will be another 84 years before we have another one. 🙂
They are not fun. Even here, we were fine, but a house down the street literally lost their whole fence because the wind hit just right (or wrong) and knocked it down. Plus all the little things like lightning, power lines, flash floods, etc. We get used to them, but we are always on alert.
I’m glad you are safe.
We don’t have to worry about a hurricane where I live.
I haven’t experienced one since I was a kid living on LI.
You have the tips down, Jenn. I hope you all got through Idalia ok… I have quite a view friends in FL and I am always worried for all of you guys!
I can only imagine how second nature hurricane prep must feel for you after so many years in Florida! The reminder about puddles hiding sharp debris (or snakes!) really stuck with me — something I would never have thought of.
And another thing to consider… the water is filthy and teeming with bacteria. If you have a cut or get a cut… the infections will be out of control No, thanks!
Hurricanes are rare here, but even a significant thunderstorm causes problems where I live. The water doesn’t drain quickly, leading to flash floods quite often. And some people always seem to need to see if they can get through that water! Great advice!
Standing water is so dangerous. Honestly, hurricanes don’t scare me (ok, Erin is a little terrifying), because you have so much time to prep and make a plan. Flash floods must be terrifying, because… they are flash! How do you even deal with that?
We don’t have to worry nearly as much as you do about hurricanes, but we do still get some storms. It’s always smart to stay indoors when the weather is really bad.
It is, for sure.