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 a 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. As soon as the eye passes over, winds will increase rapidly to hurricane force from the opposite direction. It may take several hours for the storm to pass.