Hurricane Readiness

Hurricane Readiness

High winds, heavy rainfall, massive flooding, and rip currents describe only a portion of the destruction capable by hurricanes. These often violent storms form over water and move toward land as they pose a serious threat to waterfront homes and businesses that stand in their path. Hurricane readiness and preparation are key to keeping structures and families safe before a storm comes rolling in.

While planning for an emergency situation, consider taking the following measures:

Think Ahead

• Before any hurricane developments, avoid the crowds to gather your emergency supplies such as water, non-perishable food, clothing, bedding, flashlights and batteries. For a more comprehensive list, please read Hurricane Preparedness.
• Invest in a battery-powered radio. If the power goes out due to severe weather, you may want to listen to emergency updates in the area.
• Keep important documents, maps, and any medications easily accessible. As a backup, try taking pictures on a cell phone of those important documents like insurance policies or medical cards. Remember to take the cell phone with you!
• Contacting your local emergency management office to see if your area has a hurricane evacuation plan.
• Designate an out-of-town person as an emergency contact and have a list of emergency contacts that can be kept in a safe place should you need it.
• Review your family’s evacuation plan with everyone in your household.

Protect Your Pets

• Pack a carrier or crate with emergency pet supplies like a blanket, leash, litter, bottled water, and pet food with serving dishes. Don’t forget any medications your pet may require!
• Keep all pets secure and wearing their collars with proper ID tags. Keeping their information up-to-date is extremely helpful when it comes to emergencies. Read more about Lost Pet Preparedness Tips.

Prepare Your Home

• Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, toys, tools, and anchor heavy objects to avoid being carried away by high winds. Don’t forget the garbage cans as well!
• Clean out all gutters and downspouts that could cause flooding and overflowing.
• If time allows, cover all windows with storm shutters or board up windows with plywood. There are many options pre-cut to fit and ready to install when needed.
• Trim trees and shrubs around your property to minimize the risk of broken branches and debris.
• Install a generator for emergencies and power outages.
• Keep your vehicles fully fueled, in case quick travel is needed.
• Reinforce your garage doors in order to avoid structural damage during bouts of high wind.
• Familiarize yourself with local hurricane evacuation routes and how to locate higher ground.
• Inspect all doors, windows, and walls for cracks and see that they are properly sealed, so water won’t leak through. This may also help your home be more energy efficient.
• Check that your sump pump is in working condition and operating correctly. Clear any debris to avoid possibly clogging. Also consider installing a battery backup system, in case of power outage.
• Review your insurance policies to ensure you have coverage for your home and personal property in the event of a storm.

ALE Solutions is here 24/7/365 and ready to serve! We get to the impacted area within 24 hours of the catastrophic event, such as hurricanes. Our “Boots on the Ground” strategy allows us to secure properties and hotel rooms on a “first come, first served” basis. For more information on our Catastrophe Solutions, please visit alesolutions.com