Hurricane Safety
If you are not ordered to evacuate and live in a stable and structurally sound home, it is often best to stay put rather than venture out and add to the congested traffic. Well before the storm arrives, you should make sure to:
- Fill your water bottles.
- Remove questionable limbs from your trees.
- Remove any water pumps in the ground.
- Fill the gas tank to your car in case you have to make a rapid escape.
- Unplug small appliances.
- Secure outdoor furniture and objects or bring them inside for safety.
- Shutter all doors and windows (use plywood if necessary).
Review more preparation tasks, including packing your emergency kit, in our Hurricane Preparedness post.
Once your home is secure:
- Stay indoors away from any windows, and other glass (always stay on the side of the house that is downwind).
- Be aware that if the weather calms the eye of the hurricane may be passing over you and strong wind may soon resume.
- Do not use any appliances, and try to stay in your designated safe zone.
- Before you leave you home, stay tuned (via radio, cell phone) until you hear that the hurricane has passed, and the weather is clear.
- In case you are ordered to evacuate, know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water.
After a Hurricane
When you get the OK from authorities that the storm has passed, you can begin to assess any property damage. Be sure to:
- Make sure everyone is safe.
- Avoid downed power lines.
- Protect your property from further damage (review tips from the CDC).
- Keep receipts for any relevant expenses and repairs you contract out (wait to make permanent or major repairs until your insurance adjuster has inspected your property).
- Document your damaged property on paper and camera (be as detailed as possible with brand names, purchase dates, etc.).
Help be more prepared for disasters by learning about ALE’s disaster response solutions.
Photo credits: ©iStock.com/wollwerth, PattieS
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