Hurricane! 10 dumb ways to get yourself hurt

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Want to flaunt your fearlessness? Then make sure not to learn what a hurricane could do to your home.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says you need to think about what would happen if your home were hit by flooding, high winds and storm surges. And make sure to talk it over with your family, so they know the deal.

Find a Totally Unsafe Room

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Here's a tip on how to get caught flat-footed by a hurricane: don't identify the safest room in your house or community ahead of time.

Of course, the Federal Emergency Management Agency says otherwise.

If you haven't been ordered to evacuate, the agency says, the best place to take refuge in your home is likely a "small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level."

Don't Worry About Your Pets

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Storm coming? Fido can make it on his own, right?

Not a dog's chance, says NOAA.

It urges pet owners to make an evacuation plan for your animal friends well before a storm hits. Consider any medications your pet might need, and how much food and water.

If you wind up taking your pet to an emergency shelter, it's best to have vaccination records, a current photo and a rabies tag, along with a collar, leash or portable cage to keep him controlled.

Here's the full list: NOAA

Stay Outside

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Hurricanes are beautiful acts of nature, right?

Maybe you'd like to assemble the family and watch the action unfold from your front yard or - better yet - at the beach.

Bad move, says FEMA.

It urges you to stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors. If you have storm shutters, now's the time to use them. Outdoor furniture? Bring it inside, or bid it a fond farewell.

Turn On Your Propane Tanks

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Here's a good way to meet your maker during a hurricane: keep the propane flowing. On second thought, listen to FEMA.

It says if you don't want to barbecue in heaven, make sure to turn those tanks off. The last thing you want is an open propane tank flying through your window, or your neighbor's window.

Don't Stock Up on Food, Water, and First Aid Gear

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WalMart will stay open during the storm surge, right? Don't count on it.

Even if stores are open, you may be unable to get to them in the midst of flooding and heavy winds. Which is why NOAA says to stock up on food, water, and first aid equipment in advance of the storm.

And FEMA recommends filling the bathtub with water ahead of time, along with any large containers. Clean water sure comes in handy when you can't flush the toilet or turn on the shower.

Stay in Your Mobile Home

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If you live in a mobile home and like to live dangerously, stay put. Otherwise, it might be time to hightail it out of town.

In a hurricane, mobile homes tend to get tossed like a salad because they lack the strong foundation of a conventional home.

Turn Off the Radio and Use Old Batteries

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Who needs radio when you can get second-by-second storm updates via the web? Anyone who doesn't want to get washed away, actually. If the electricity goes, so do all our fancy gadgets and Internet access.

NOAA recommends having a special weather radio that can receive emergency broadcasts from the government. At the very least make sure you have a battery-powered radio on hand - along with plenty of fresh batteries.

Don't Worry About Escape Routes

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Scrambling under pressure sounds like good times, especially with a hurricane barreling down you. Well, maybe if you're an action junkie.

If you have to evacuate during a hurricane, you better know how.

NOAA recommends planning escape routes from your house and meet-up locations ahead of time. Think in tens of miles, not hundreds, the government says.

Stay on the Phone

Wow, that storm looks amazing. How can you avoid the temptation to call up your friends to give them the play by play?

FEMA can name one good reason: conventional landlines carry electricity. With a storm swirling around your house, that can be dangerous.

If you don't want to get zapped, put down the phone and make sure you unplug all electrical appliances.

All Kidding Aside, Get the Facts to Stay Safe

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We like jokes here at CBS News, but hurricanes are dangerous business. Don't mess with Mother Nature. She's bigger than you.

Make sure you get the full facts from the government on how to prepare and what to do when the crap hits the fan. Especially when the fan flies out the window with your couch.

More at FEMA
More at NOAA