Leaving Is a Matter of ‘Life and Death’: How to Prepare for Fires, Gas Leaks & More Hazards Hurricane Milton Could Bring

Hurricane Milton is shaping up to be one of the most devastating storms to hit Florida in a century, with officials warning residents to take immediate action. The storm has already gained the highest classification — a Category 5 — packing strong winds and threatening massive storm surges.

But it’s not just the wind and rain that residents must worry about. Experts warn that the aftermath of Hurricane Milton could bring an onslaught of additional dangers. As Floridians prepare for impact, knowing how to handle these hazards is critical to protecting lives and property.

Hurricane Milton poses a severe and complex threat to Florida, with President Joe Biden emphasizing the urgency for residents to evacuate. During a White House briefing, Biden described the situation as a “matter of life and death” and urged Floridians to act swiftly.

The Gulf Coast is particularly vulnerable, still reeling from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene just days prior. As Hurricane Milton advances, weather experts have sounded the alarm.

One user on X, formerly Twitter, highlighted the potential strength of the storm, stating, “[…] We need to bring its maximum potential intensity (MPI) into the discussion.”

A meteorologist agreed that “Milton can get awfully close to MPI here,” noting the storm’s compact size, which made it less likely to encounter cold water that could slow its progress.

As the storm draws closer, communities in Florida have been left scrambling to prepare. A viral video showed a long line of people on the right in St. Petersburg collecting sandbags to protect their homes from flooding. On the left were piles of debris from Hurricane Helene.

Local officials warned, however, that while sandbags could mitigate minor flooding, they would do little to prevent storm surges or major water intrusions. Meteorologists projected that Milton could bring 10 to 15 inches of rain to areas already saturated by Helene, significantly increasing the risk of flooding.

The intensity and impact of Hurricane Milton made it what experts referred to as a compound event, a term used to describe the combined effects of multiple climate hazards happening simultaneously or consecutively.

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn noted, “We as a city can train to prepare for evacuation, and we can train to prepare for the cleanup, but we can’t control anything in the middle.”

Reports place Tampa, along with Miami and New Orleans, among the most vulnerable cities in the U.S. in terms of potential hurricane damage, with $80 billion worth of potential losses.

A report by the OECD ranked Tampa as the seventh most at-risk city globally when accounting for coastal defenses, flood risks, potential storm damages, and $175 billion in potential losses.

John Moore, a spokesperson for the National Weather Service, emphasized that all residents along the U.S. coastline should be prepared for the possibility of tropical storms during hurricane season.

“Hurricane threats can exist for everyone. If you live along the coastline anywhere in the United States, you’re at threat of being impacted by tropical storms during hurricane season […],” Moore said.

As Hurricane Milton approaches, Floridians face a sobering reality. Over 17% of gas stations in the state were out of fuel at the time of writing, with shortages hitting more than 46% of stations in the Tampa Bay area.

This, combined with the storm’s intensity and the lingering effects of Hurricane Helene, leaves the region bracing for what could be one of the most catastrophic events in Florida’s recent history.

How to Prepare – Preventing Fires and Electrical Hazards

Hurricane Milton is expected to leave behind a wave of destruction, and in the aftermath of such storms, electrical hazards became a serious concern.

Tampa Electric spokesperson Mary Lou Carn warned people to remember that water and electricity do not mix. During Hurricane Helene, at least 93 vehicles caught fire in Pinellas County due to floodwaters.

A Tesla dealership in Tampa also experienced a fire when a battery pack submerged in water ignited. To avoid fires caused by floodwaters, authorities recommend that EVs exposed to saltwater be moved at least 50 feet away from homes.

These vehicles could spark a fire days after the storm, and residents have been advised to have them towed to dealerships if necessary. Additionally, any battery exposed to water should be carefully disposed of, following specific manufacturer guidelines.

Downed power lines also pose deadly risks in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Tampa Fire Chief Barbara Tripp reminds residents that downed lines should always be treated as live wires.

She stated that residents should call 911 if they see downed lines, but limit calls to true life-threatening emergencies. It is also vital to stay clear of any objects touching downed lines, as they could still conduct electricity.

For those in flood zones, Carn advises turning off the home’s main breaker before evacuating. This simple step could prevent electrocution or further electrical damage.

Florida Power and Light Company recommends turning off breakers one at a time and exercising extreme caution once power is restored, as touching an electric meter after a flood could also lead to injury.

How to Prepare – Handling Damage to Your Home

Falling trees and limbs are another serious concern as Hurricane Milton draws near. Certified arborist Jacob Heredia warned homeowners not to attempt removing fallen branches or trees themselves.

“Branches will often crack under pressure that we can’t see,” he explained, advising homeowners to leave this dangerous work to professionals. Trying to remove limbs improperly could cause further damage to homes or vehicles.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor reminded residents to follow the familiar phrase: “Hide from wind, run from water.” The hurricane is likely to bring not only high winds but also significant flood risks.

Pinellas County’s emergency services recommend moving to higher ground within the home, such as standing on furniture, if floodwaters enter the house. Residents are also advised to take cover in interior rooms without windows during tornado warnings or periods of sustained high winds.

How to Prepare – Staying Safe from Poisonous Gases

Gas leaks are another potential danger, especially in areas where storm damage could break gas lines. Carn urges residents to be on alert for the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs, which indicates a gas leak.

She further instructs that if you smell gas, call 911 and TECO. Residents are also advised to avoid any possible ignition sources, including cell phones, matches, and motorized vehicles, which could ignite gas leaks.

Generators, another common post-storm hazard, need to be handled with care. They should be kept outside, at least 20 feet away from homes, to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carn recommends installing battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas to alert families if dangerous levels of the gas are present. Proper ventilation and dryness are also critical for safe generator use during the recovery period.

Finally, hurricane-related power outages can lead to food and medicine spoilage. Florida’s Poison Control Center recommends discarding any food that might have spoiled during the outage.

The rule “When in doubt, throw it out” applies to anything that is unrefrigerated for extended periods. For those dependent on refrigerated medications, it is important to have a plan in place with a doctor before the storm hits.

By following these guidelines, Floridians can protect themselves and their homes from the hazards of Hurricane Milton, ensuring that they stay safe long after the storm has passed.