How To Prepare For A Hurricane – Must-Know Tips For Homeowners
By: 911 Water Damage Experts
When you figure out that the hurricane season starts on May 15th in the North Pacific, and June 1st in the Atlantic and the Caribbean, you need to know how to plan too.
The season ends at the end of November, so make sure that you and your family are ready for what might come your way.
-The first thing you need to do is write down the phone number of the emergency contacts and keep them close to you, maybe on your fridge door or near the phone. You can also add them to your mobile device.
-Make sure you have an emergency supply kit.
-Make note of where the nearest shelter is and note the different routes there. If you do not have any shelters in your area, then make sure to know how to locate one nearest in case a storm occurs.
-In case of an evacuation, find a safe spot for your pets. Whether it is a friend’s home or a pet shelter, they need to be as safe as you are. In this case, you can check with local animal shelters. They should be able to offer you some advice on evacuating your pet.
Prepare For A Hurricane By Having Emergency Supplies
Whether it is during, or after a hurricane, your family needs to stay healthy and safe.
This is why you need supplies to do that. What you need to remember here is that in case of a hurricane, your water and power supply might be cut off.
Also, you may be unable to drive due to roads being covered with obstacles or flooded.
In this case, you need to be sure of what to do and be prepared for anything. This is why it is always advised to have:
–Emergency water and food supply
–Emergency power sources (where you should include a lot of batteries)
-Personal items, and items for your safety
-All important documents, including passports and IDs
-Having a fire extinguisher is helpful too
There Is A Difference Between Hurricane Watch And Hurricane Warning
Make sure to check the radio channel for alerts when it comes to hurricanes. Listen closely since there are two types of alerts out there:
-The hurricane watch alert means that these conditions are only possible in a certain area. About 48 hours before the storm winds, experts announce the hurricane watches.
-The hurricane warning is much more serious. This means that the conditions are not only possible but they are also expected in a certain area. These warnings are issued 36 hours before so people would have time to prepare themselves and protect themselves.
Make sure to check the latest information and reports so you can stay informed and up to date with the latest news on hurricanes in your area.
Prepare The Car
Before the storm hits, make sure you and your family are ready to move. This is how you can prepare:
-Fill up the tank with gas.
-Keep the other trucks and cars in the garage or anywhere undercover.
-Keep an emergency kit in your car at all times.
If you do not own a car, then make arrangements with friends or other members of your family so you have a safe way to get out of the area.
Prepare Your Family And Pets
-Have an emergency plan and go over it with your family.
-Make sure to constantly check for any changes and updates on the storm. Check online, listen to the radio, or watch TV.
-When it comes to special needs, make sure to call the public health department, hospital, or the police. If you or a person from the family is disabled, then you should know how to move them and if you need help doing so.
-When it comes to pet safety, give your pets to a place where they will be safe and sound. A pet shelter or an animal farm should do.
Prepare Your Home
-Clean up your yard. You need to ensure your home is safe and there is nothing around it that could damage it during the storm. Any grills, outdoor furniture, bikes, building material, and propane tanks should be removed from the premises.
-Turn the power off. Whether it is a case of a flood, or you have to leave the home, you should turn off the power supply.
-Take some material to cover your doors and windows. Plywood with nails is a perfect choice. They can keep the home safe from broken glass.
-Take some water containers and fill them up with water. This is an advised step since you might need to cut off your water supply during the storm. If you have a bathtub, you can fill it up with water for washing.
-Check the CO levels to prevent CO poisoning from happening.
Either Evacuate Or Stay At Home
Make sure to listen to advice. Decide if it’s safer to evacuate or stay indoors. Remember that you should never ignore the warnings from the authorities, especially in the case where you need to evacuate. Sometimes, even if you have a very sturdy home, it may not hold up against the strength of a hurricane. It is not worth it to sit at home and try to protect material things and property.
However, in some cases, you might hear an order to just stay put. This can happen in case the driving conditions are horrible and dangerous.
If you are evacuating, you should:
-Take only what you need from your emergency kits, such as medical supplies and important documents.
-Turn off the gas, the water, and the electricity.
-Since many roads might be flooded or blocked, follow only the routes which are recommended. Never drive in an area that is flooded, even the slightest bit of water can take you in and put you in great danger.
-Check with your local authority about evacuating your pet.
If you are staying home, you should:
-Keep the emergency kit somewhere safe and close to you.
-Check for any hurricane updates on the radio.
-Stay inside by any means necessary. Even if it seems like the storm has passed, do not go outside until you have heard that the authorities have said it is okay to do so.
-Get inside a closet instead of staying close to windows. Any debris or broken glass may fly your way.
-Always be prepared to leave. If there is an emergency situation in your home, authorities may recommend that you go to a shelter or to the house of your nearest neighbor.
If you have any questions about our article “How To Prepare For A Hurricane – Must-Know Tips For Homeowners” or need a professional weather damage restoration company feel free to call us at 1-833-WE-DRY-IT or chat with us in near real-time on our Facebook fan page.
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