Summarize this article in one sentence.
Don't leave your shelter until you get the official "all-clear" from the NOAA. If the winds die down it may only be the dangerous eye of the storm, which will be followed by the back side of the "eye wall" and high winds. A hurricane can take hours to pass. The area around the eye of the storm is where wind speeds are strongest. It can also spawn tornadoes. Wait at least 30 minutes after the eye of the storm has passed before entering rooms with windows. Even then, you should be very carefulat this point, there is still a good chance of debris breaking glass. Be careful even after the all-clear. There will be lots of hazards like downed trees, wires, and power lines. Do not go near any of these lines or wires. Call the power company or emergency services to help you, instead. Stay away from flooded areas, as well. Use extreme caution if you have to enter a flooded area, as there may be hidden debris or other hazards. The hurricane's high winds will damage many, if not most, structures. Do not enter any buildings after the storm unless you're sure they're structurally safe. Also, evacuate as fast as you safely can if a building shows signs of severe damage, in case it collapses. Stay away if you smell gas, see flood waters, or if the building has been damaged by fire. Use a flashlight rather than candles, matches, torches, or lanterns. There may be a gas leak and you could cause a fire or explosion. Open windows and doors to let any such gas escape. Do not try to turn on the electricity unless you are ABSOLUTELY sure it's safe. Check all electric and gas connections before turning them on. Be mindful of loose or slippery floorboards, falling debris, and cracked masonry when entering a structure. Your first priority during a hurricane is to stay safe and keep your family and pets healthy. Only after this is done should you start to take stock. Check your house for structural damage. If anything is of concern, get the authorities to check it out as quickly as possible and don't go near the area until it has been fixed. Clean and disinfect everything that might have come into contact with sewage, bacteria, or spilled chemicals. Throw out all spoiled food, as well. When in doubt, throw it out. Get your water system running and safe. Have damaged septic systems repaired, for example, and get your wells checked for chemical contamination. Start to remove and replace wet drywall and other paneling that can harbor mold. You should never enter a flooded basement apart from the risk of electrocution, flood waters can hide debris or harbor bacteria from things like raw sewage. Instead, use a pump to gradually reduce the water level by about one third each day until it's gone. Plug a shop vac into a safe outlet upstairs and begin pumping down the water. Keep the cord clear of the water and wear rubber boots for safety. If you have a heavy-duty gas pump, feed the hose into the basement through a window. If you can't drain the basement safely, call the fire department and ask them to do it for you. You may be able to recoup some of the losses to your home and property if you have an insurance policy that covers flood, wind, and storm damage. Get in touch with your provider as soon as you can to file a report. Start a list of damages for your claims. Take photos and videos, keep receipts for repairs, supplies, and even hotel costs. If you have to vacate the home, make sure your insurance company knows where to reach you. Try contacting them by phone. Many providers have toll-free, 24-hour 1-800 numbers. In a total loss, some people even paint their address and insurance provider's name on the house to attract the attention of an insurance adjuster. Try within reason to prevent further damage. Cover a damaged roof with a tarp, for example, and cover openings with plywood, plastic, or other materials.
Be sure it's safe to emerge. Take extra care when entering buildings. Take stock of the damage. Pump out flooded basements. Report losses to your insurance company.