Tips To Prepare For Hurricane Season

5/15/2017 (Permalink)

Hurricane season

Hurricanes are among the most dangerous types of weather conditions and for six months out of the year, the Atlantic and Gulf coasts are prone to these severe storms during what is known as hurricane season.  Hurricanes are dangerous because they dump heavy rain in a short period of time and have very powerful winds.  The heavy rain can quickly cause severe flooding and the winds are strong enough to damage buildings and knock down large objects like trees and power lines.  These storms are responsible for billions of dollars in property damage each year as well as injuries and death.  Most deaths that happen in a hurricane are caused by the flooding.

Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and ends on November 30, but a hurricane can strike land any time of year.  If you live in a hurricane prone area near the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico, it is important to prepare for the possibility of a hurricane.  A hurricane can happen at any time and having a plan in place and emergency supplies ready will help you evacuate to safety much quicker.  The following hurricane preparedness tips will help you get ready for hurricane season.  You must address any damage to your property from a hurricane immediately by calling a storm damage restoration expert.

How To Prepare For A Hurricane

 County evacuation map and shelters

Evacuation routes are mapped out in hurricane prone areas.

Review your plan: At the beginning of each hurricane season, review your plan for preparing and reacting to a hurricane and update it if needed.

Review your insurance policy: Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if it covers hurricane damage. You may need to purchase separate flood insurance to cover flood damage.

Protect important documents: Put important documents like birth certificates, titles, house deeds, and others in a water proof safe. This safe should be stored on the upper floors of your home for more protection.

Discuss the plan: Share the plan with your family so everyone knows what to do when a hurricane is imminent.

Emergency supply kit: Put together emergency supplies that you will need in case you are trapped in your home without power or forced to evacuate. See the section below for more on what to include in your emergency supply kit.

Evacuation routes: Hurricane prone areas typically have mapped out evacuation routes. Make sure you are familiar with the evacuation route in your area in case a hurricane forces you to evacuate.

If a Hurricane is Imminent

Move objects like furniture away from doors and windows.

Unplug electronics and small appliances. Be ready to shut off the power in your home if necessary.

Water: You should have one gallon of water per person each day for between 3 and 7 days.

Food: Your food supply should consist of non-perishable items and snack foods as well as paper plates, a can opener, and cooking tools.

Clothing: Pack clothing that can withstand the rainy conditions.

Blankets and pillows: Have enough blankets and pillows for each member of your family.

First Aid Kit: Pack necessary medication and prescription drugs as well as bandages and other supplies to deal with minor injuries.

Toiletries: Include personal hygiene products.

Special items: Make sure to pack any special items needed or young children or the elderly.

Flashlight batteries: Pack a flashlight and extra batteries to keep it working.

Radio: Include a small battery operated radio to listen to weather reports.

Cell phones: Keep your cell phones charged and bring extra batteries and a charger.

Cash and credit cards: You may not be able to visit a bank or ATM if the hurricane has caused significant widespread damage.

Keys: Make sure you have your keys for your car and house.

Toys, book, games: These items will help keep your kids occupied.

Important documents: Insurance records, medical records, bank documents, social security cards, and other important documents should be secured in a waterproof container.

Pet care: If you have pets, you must have supplies for them too. Make sure you have the proper identification documents, food and water for several days, a leash, and cage if necessary.

Tools: Having a simple tool kit handy can be useful.

Gas in vehicles: Make sure your car is filled with gas before a storm so you can evacuate without making any stops.

The effects of a hurricane can be devastating but by following these hurricane safety tips, you can help ensure the safety of you and your family.  Hurricane season is quickly approaching so make sure you get yourself prepared for the possibility of a hurricane if you live in a hurricane prone area.  While these hurricane preparation tips can help you protect yourself and your family from harm, there is not much you can do to protect your home from damage.  If your home sustains damage from a hurricane or flood, you must call SERVPRO for storm damage restoration services immediately. SERVPRO can repair the damage to your home or building and provide restoration for flooding.