STAYIN’ ALIVE: When it’s time to begin storm preparations, be aware of some myths, such as draining the pool.


• Some myths about hurricane preparation die hard. Whether you’re new to Florida or have lived here for decades, check out these common misconceptions about hurricanes.

• Before a storm, you should sink patio furniture in the pool to keep it from flying around.

• False. When winds whip up, tables and chairs can become projectiles. Store outdoor furniture inside.

• Open windows a crack to “let the pressure out.”

• False. While no house is airtight, keeping windows or doors open invites in highly unstable air that can cause damage. Board up your windows with metal or wood shutters if you haven’t already installed impact-resistant glass.

• Drain the pool to prevent flooding.

• False. A pool overflowing with rainwater is only displacing water that would otherwise fall into your yard anyway. What’s more, if done incorrectly, draining the pool can cause structural damage. Do turn off electricity to the pool pump.

• Covering my windows with masking tape or window tape will keep my house safe.

• False. Masking tape is useless in the face of wind-whipped projectiles. Window tape may somewhat inhibit breakage, but it’s no substitute for shutters.

• It’s safe to go outside when the ”eye” of the storm is overhead.

• False. The relative calm of the eye can be deceiving; it only guarantees that more violent weather is on the way. Conditions can deteriorate from one minute to the next, especially as the other side of the eye’s wall — usually the most violent part of a hurricane — approaches.

For tips on how to prepare for a storm, visit http://storm.miamiherald.com.