10 Disaster Safety Tips You Should Avoid

Essential Insights

Are you anxiously hoarding food and ammunition due to the fear of disaster? The positive aspect is that some preparation can significantly ease your anxiety when a major event occurs. Consider this: having a solid plan increases the likelihood of safety for you and your property. If many others also prepare, it can lessen the disaster's impact and reduce overall fear. So, preparation is beneficial — or is it?

Before you retreat to your underground shelter, let me clarify. While there's plenty of reliable disaster safety guidance you should follow (such as FEMA's Ready.gov), some survival tips, even those that seem logical, are better off disregarded. These might be old wives' tales that have, over time, become accepted as common knowledge. Alternatively, they could be ideas proposed by scientists who, with the benefit of hindsight from past disasters, now regret ever recommending them.

In any case, it's crucial to identify which advice might be ineffective or even dangerous, ensuring you make the best decisions for your family during a crisis. So, set aside that dehydrated meal and explore our list of disaster safety tips you should avoid.

10: Your Car's Rubber Tires Will Protect You From Lightning

As you drive along the highway in a high-end sports car, you spot a dark cloud with occasional flashes of lightning in the distance. You might think your premium rubber tires will keep you safe, but that's not always the case.

While cars do offer decent protection against lightning, it's not due to their rubber tires. Instead, it's because of the Faraday effect. When lightning strikes a conductive surface like a metal car frame, the current travels along the exterior, directing the energy around the occupants and into the ground. Vehicles lacking a metal enclosure, such as convertibles, motorcycles, and bicycles, provide no lightning protection, regardless of their rubber tires. This was tragically highlighted in 2014 when a motorcyclist was among the 26 lightning-related fatalities [sources: National Lightning Safety Institute, National Weather Service].

If you're driving during a lightning storm, the National Lightning Safety Institute advises pulling over and keeping your hands in your lap until the storm subsides. This is because components like door handles, window controls, radio dials, gearshifts, and steering wheels can conduct electricity from the exterior to the interior (as evidenced by a 2014 fatality involving a man closing his car windows). While a lightning strike can still damage your car, the impact is usually limited to scorched paint or a damaged electrical system.

9: Open a Window During a Tornado to Balance the Pressure

Disaster safety recommendations evolve over time. What one generation considers wise advice may be dismissed as unwise by the next. A prime example is the suggestion to open windows during a tornado.

The idea originated when experts attempted to explain why tornadoes often ripped off roofs and pushed walls outward. The prevailing theory suggested that the low pressure inside a tornado, combined with higher indoor pressure, caused houses to explode. Opening windows or doors was believed to balance the pressure and prevent such damage.

However, a 1979 tornado in Wichita Falls, Texas, debunked this theory. Researchers discovered that homes with storm doors and shutters suffered less damage than those with open windows. The real culprit was the wind entering the homes, not pressure differences, which lifted roofs and collapsed walls.

Beyond the flawed logic, opening windows during a tornado poses another risk. Most tornado-related injuries result from flying debris, and standing near an open window exposes you to dangerous projectiles like glass shards. The Storm Prediction Center recommends seeking shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of your home and avoiding windows entirely.

8: Tape a Big "X" on Your Windows to Reduce Damage from Hurricane Winds

Every time a hurricane approaches the coast, you see it on TV: homes and businesses with large duct-tape "X"s on their windows. However, duct tape is ineffective against the damage caused by hurricane-force winds.

Until the 1980s, hurricane preparedness guides recommended taping windows, but experts later discovered this method could cause more harm than good. The belief was that tape could reinforce windows against strong winds or at least keep them from shattering into small pieces. In truth, tape doesn't strengthen windows, and while it might reduce tiny glass shards, it can create larger, more dangerous shards held together by the tape.

Despite being debunked, this disaster safety tip remains surprisingly popular. A 2011 survey before Hurricane Irene revealed that 70% of respondents taped their windows in preparation.

This myth is so widespread that the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes launched the "Go Tapeless" campaign to educate people about the risks and ineffectiveness of window taping. They suggest using impact-resistant windows, shutters, or even plywood instead. Just avoid tape.

7: In Case of an Earthquake, Go Stand in the Nearest Doorway

Few things are more frightening than the ground trembling beneath you, but the real danger often comes from objects falling from above. During an earthquake, items like picture frames, bookshelves, and even ceilings can come crashing down. It’s logical to seek shelter under something sturdy, but for many, the go-to spot has been a doorway—though this might not be the safest choice.

The idea of doorways as safe zones likely stems from a famous photo of a collapsed adobe home with a doorway still standing amidst the wreckage (though this iconic image is oddly hard to find). While doorways might be the safest spot in unreinforced adobe buildings, they offer no special protection in modern homes. They won’t shield you from falling objects, and staying balanced can be a challenge.

So, what should you do instead? Experts recommend the "drop, cover, and hold on" method. When an earthquake hits, drop to the ground, cover your head and neck with your arms, and stay put unless you’re at risk from falling debris. If necessary, move away from exterior walls and crawl under a sturdy table or desk. Hold onto something secure until the shaking stops. Once it’s safe, use the doorway to exit and avoid damaged areas [source: Southern California Earthquake Center].

6: To Head Off an Epidemic, Cut Off Travel to Affected Countries

Hollywood often dramatizes epidemics (think "Outbreak" [1995], "The Crazies" [2010], "Contagion" [2011], etc.). These films typically feature a highly contagious, deadly pathogen that prompts governments to quarantine entire populations—healthy and sick alike—to prevent a global catastrophe.

In real life, experts seldom advocate for such drastic actions, as seen during the 2014-2015 Ebola crisis in West Africa. While politicians across the spectrum pushed for travel bans, health professionals highlighted the numerous reasons why such measures could backfire.

For starters, travel restrictions are largely ineffective. During the 2009 swine flu outbreak, several countries halted flights to and from Mexico, but research showed this only delayed the virus's spread by approximately three days.

Not only do travel bans fail to achieve their goals, but they can also worsen the situation. Such measures hinder the movement of medical personnel and essential supplies to affected regions. They also disrupt contact tracing, a critical process where health workers identify and test individuals who have been exposed to the virus. Moreover, people may still cross borders illegally or misreport their travel history, making it nearly impossible for authorities to track their movements.

The most effective way to control an outbreak? Address it at its origin. It might not sound thrilling, but we’ll leave the drama to the movies.

5: "Duck and Cover" to Protect Yourself From Nuclear Annihilation

I understand your skepticism. "Absurd. Anyone born after the 1950s knows that won’t help." But there’s more to this advice than meets the eye.

First, a brief history recap. After World War II, the United States was the sole nation with a nuclear arsenal. However, the Soviet Union successfully tested its own nuclear weapons in 1949. Given the tense relationship between the two nations, the U.S. established the Federal Civil Defense Administration in 1951 as a response.

As part of its efforts to inform the public about nuclear safety, the agency created the film "Duck and Cover." It starred a turtle named Bert, who taught children to take cover under desks and shield their heads upon seeing a bomb explode.

Sounds absurd, right? Not entirely. When the film debuted in 1951, scientists believed the primary threats from a nuclear attack were the blast and heat. They hadn’t yet fully grasped the dangers of radiation. Additionally, the atomic bombs of that era, while destructive, were minuscule compared to the hydrogen bombs tested shortly after. In that context, duck and cover seemed somewhat logical [source: Kelly].

These drills persisted even after authorities fully understood radiation’s effects and the destructive power of hydrogen bombs. It was a frightening era, and people needed to feel they could take action—even if it might prove futile in the face of annihilation.

4: Insurance Will Cover Any Damage to Your Home and Possessions

Have you ever taken the time to read your homeowners insurance policy? If not, it’s time to grab your reading glasses and dive into the fine print. Otherwise, a disaster could leave you with nothing but an expensive pile of debris.

While policies vary, most standard plans cover damages caused by fire, lightning, tornadoes, windstorms, hail, explosions, smoke, vandalism, and theft. Many also include protection against damage from falling objects, such as tree branches or even meteors.

Although this coverage addresses many risks, it excludes significant ones like floods and earthquakes. Protecting against these requires separate policies and additional expenses. However, if such an event occurs, you’ll be grateful for the extra coverage. If you live in an area prone to these disasters, consult your agent about flood and earthquake insurance.

It’s also crucial to recognize that not all insurance policies are the same. A key difference is between replacement cost coverage, which pays for the actual cost of rebuilding your home and replacing belongings, and cash value coverage, which only reimburses the depreciated value of your property (minus deductibles). Additionally, many policies limit coverage for items like jewelry, computers, furs, and firearms, so you may need to buy riders to fully protect these valuables.

Ensure you have the right insurance, or you could find yourself in serious trouble—both literally and figuratively!

3: Money Won't Be Any Good if There's a Disaster

Search online for "how to survive a disaster," and you’ll find advice on everything from storing food and water to securing weapons and communication tools. A common theme is the instability of paper currency, with many suggesting stockpiling gold or silver. While a global economic collapse isn’t impossible, history shows it’s improbable. Even after major disasters, financial systems typically recover within days or weeks.

A more practical approach is preparing for short-term disruptions. Financial advisors suggest keeping a three-day supply of cash for emergencies. This ensures you can purchase essentials if credit card systems fail or you can’t access banks or ATMs. It sounds straightforward, but when was the last time you carried enough cash for three days of food, gas, and lodging?

For long-term preparedness, aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses in an easily accessible account, like a savings or money market account. For added security, consider storing some funds in a financial institution outside your region to reduce the risk of being affected by the same disaster. Still keen on gold and silver? That’s fine, but remember their value fluctuates daily, and unlike bank deposits, they aren’t insured if lost or stolen.

Besides, if a global catastrophe occurs, your primary concern won’t be financial liquidity—it’ll be finding clean drinking water!

2: In Case of a Zombie Apocalypse, You'd Better Have Powerful Weapons

Imagine a dark, stormy night, and Michael Jackson’s reanimated "Thriller" dancers are moonwalking straight toward your brain. What kind of weapons would you want for this nightmare scenario?

Pop culture has led many to believe that extreme weapons like chainsaws and flamethrowers are ideal for zombie defense. However, Max Brooks, author of "The Zombie Survival Guide," disagrees. Chainsaws are impractical due to their weight, limited fuel, dangerous operation, and noise that draws zombies. Flamethrowers, if you could even find one, are even heavier and require jellied gasoline—hardly a practical resource. Save these ideas for the movies.

In reality, the most effective weapons are less dramatic. For close-range encounters, consider a trench spike—a compact blade with a brass knuckle grip. It’s ideal for braining zombies (piercing their skulls) or at least knocking them over. For long-range attacks, bolt- or lever-action rifles are excellent. Their single-shot design encourages careful aim, conserving ammunition compared to flashy automatic weapons. They’re also low-maintenance, and ammunition is easy to find.

Is a zombie apocalypse likely or even plausible? Probably not. But if it ever happens, you’re now better prepared to become a solo zombie-slaying force.

1: If Your Airplane Is Going Down, There's Nothing to Do but Pray

You’re seated on a plane, waiting for departure. After squeezing into your tight seat, you start a podcast, only to be interrupted by a flight attendant demonstrating life vests and oxygen masks. "What’s the use?" you mutter. "If this plane crashes, we’re all doomed anyway." You put your earbuds back in and close your eyes.

Hold on—perhaps you should pay closer attention. The survival rate for plane accidents is approximately 95.7%, meaning the odds are in your favor, particularly if you’re prepared [source: NTSB].

Consider Josh Peltz, a passenger on US Airways Flight 1549, which famously landed in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009. Sitting in the exit row, Josh used the tense moments before impact to review how to open the exit door. After the plane hit the water, he acted quickly, opening the door and preventing a dangerous crowd buildup behind him [source: Northedge].

Beyond listening to the flight attendant’s instructions and reading the safety card, there are other ways to boost your survival odds. Aim to sit within five rows of an emergency exit and keep your shoes on during takeoff and landing. This can help you evacuate faster and more safely: Most survivors exit the plane in under 90 seconds [source: Sherwood].

And if that doesn’t reassure you, consider this: Your odds of dying in a plane crash are just 1 in 90 million! [source: Sherwood]