Hurricane A Coming!
It's that time of year again! Planning and preparing can make a big difference in safety and resiliency in the wake of a hurricane. The ability to quickly recover following a hurricane requires a focus on preparedness, planning, and knowing what to do once it has arrived.
NOW | PREPARE. Here are some points to consider now and things you can do to get a jump start on any potential activity headed our way.
Stay Informed: Signup for local alerts and warnings, monitor local news and weather reports.
Plan for Evacuation: Learn your community's evacuation plan and identify routes to leave. Things can get hectic when the time comes. Remember, plan for your entire household (pets too), keep a full tank of gas, pack a "go bag" to grab with important things.
Protect your Property: Prepare for window coverings/ shutters, anchoring items that can not be brought in (outdoor mounted natural gas tanks) and review your insurance policies. Trim trees and remove deadwood that could cause damage to your roof and other property. PRO-TIP: Video your home/belongings and save online so you have proof of belongings in case of a major disaster.
Gather Supplies: Reply to this email for a checklist for you to use to prepare. You can do this over time as needed to make a kit for your household.
DURING | SURVIVE. Storm is set to head our way, now what.
Follow Guidance: Local authorities are tracking these storms and know what all is entailed. If advised to evacuate, GO.
House Sweep: Go through the exterior of your home and pick up anything that can catch the wind and fly in high winds. Bring in patio furniture/ grills, remove lawn debris. Put towels under each window to help with water that might be pushed through with driving rain.
Protected Shelter: Stay away from windows and seek a safe place to camp out with your storm activities and flashlights. An interior room is ideal, away from windows and overhanging trees. Stay in place until you know that the storm has fully passed.
AFTER | BE SAFE. Safety after a storm is just as important. Please make sure you are versed in what to do after the disaster.
Returning to the Area: If you have evacuated the area, wait for public officials to say it is safe to return. Do not enter damaged buildings until they have been inspected by a professional.
Look out: Make sure to cautiously check for downed or unstable trees, poles, and powerlines. Report as necessary.
Clean up: After the storm no matter the size there will be clean up that needs to happen and returning your house back to order. Wear gloves and thick-soled shoes to protect yourselves. This is not the time for an injury.
Stay Healthy: Throw out any food that was not maintained at the proper temperature or exposed to flood waters. Do not eat any food from a flooded garden. Check to make sure the tap water is safe, authorities will keep you posted on this status.
We hope you won't have to deal with these tips, but should you need we want to be helpful! As always, let us know if we can be a resource in a time of need. We have trusted vendors we have worked with for years that we would be happy to connect you with should you find yourself in need.