HOUSTON — Across social media, people are posting and sharing videos and pictures on how to stay safe from an incoming hurricane. But the claims in some videos, as well-intended as they might be, will not keep you safe. In some cases, the recommendations on social media may cause more harm and could lead to a dangerous situation.
THE QUESTIONS
- Is the dishwasher going to protect important documents from floodwater?
- Are the higher floors of a building safer than the ground level?
- Is it safe to use candles if the power is out?
THE SOURCES
CDC
Energizer
FDA
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
LSU AgCenter/LaHouse Research and Education Center
NOAA
Texas A&M Extension Service
THE ANSWERS
No, the dishwasher will not protect important documents from floodwater.
No, higher floors are not safer than the ground level in a hurricane.
No, experts do not recommend using candles if the power goes out.
WHAT WE FOUND
1. When to use the dishwasher
The dishwasher can become a way of storing precious glassware from breaking in a storm, but across social media, it is suggested the dishwasher will protect important documents in a flood, according to Texas A&M Extension Service.
"About the only thing safe in the dishwasher in a hurricane are maybe dishes that you don't want to break. So they may still get water in there and still get muddy, but maybe they're heirlooms or something," County Extension Agent Brandi Keller said. "But any kind of documents? Definitely keep in plastic."
You can use a plastic bag or container to keep items including wills, deeds, birth certificates, insurance papers, and your pets' vaccination records.
According to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), to ensure your dishwasher is safe for use after a storm passes, you should run the empty dishwasher through three complete cycles to flush the water lines and ensure that they are cleaned internally before washing equipment and utensils in it.
2. Hurricane impact on floor levels
In social media videos, people question why they should evacuate from their high-rise living spaces when a hurricane is approaching. The posters assume that higher floors are safer from flood waters, but experts tell the KHOU 11 Verify Team, that this is a myth.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) during a storm high-rise buildings are at a greater risk when the wind is high, but the height can keep you safe in the event of storm surge or high water.
NOAA says, "To protect yourself from wind, the best thing you can do is put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. An interior room without windows is the safest place you can be in a building. You can cover yourself with a mattress and wear a helmet for added protection. If your area is under an Extreme Wind Warning, take shelter immediately. Make sure to stay sheltered until the threat is gone."
3. Using candles
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says if the power is out during a storm, it is best to use flashlights or other battery-powered lights if possible. Using candles increases the risk of a fire in your home if the candle is left unattended. If you have to use candles, always use candle holders, do not place them in areas near flammable materials, and never leave them unattended.
To ensure your flashlight is ready to use when you need it, experts recommend regularly checking the batteries to ensure they work. According to Energizer, you will need to replace the batteries in your flashlight or lantern every few months, to prevent battery leakage. The company says on its website to avoid storing a flashlight in high temperatures, it increases the risk of the flashlight not working and damage to the batteries.
The company also recommends sure you have an extra pack of fresh batteries for peace of mind.