Rhode Island has not had a direct hit in 20 years.  Is your home or business prepared for a hurricane strike here in the Ocean State?  Take some of these precautionary steps beforehand to minimise damage.  PuroClean also has tips on what to to during a hurricane watch and warning, see below.  Read now, be ready, and know that the Paramedics of Property Damage are here to help if disaster does strike!  Available 24/7 at 866-787-6474.

BEFORE A HURRICAN STRIKES

• Know your Emergency Shelters
  Contact the National Disaster Office for the closest shelters.
   
• Have disaster supplies on hand
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Non-perishable (canned food) and water
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Essential medicines
  • Cash and credit cards
  • Sturdy shoes
     
• Protect your windows
  Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood--marine plywood is best--cut to fit each window. Remember to mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm.
   
• Trim back branches from trees
  Trim branches away from your home and cut all dead or weak branches on any trees on your property.
   
• Check into your Home and Auto Insurance
  Confirm that policies are valid and coverage is appropriate.
   
• Make arrangements for pets and livestock
  Pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Contact your local humane society for information on animal shelters.
   
• Develop an emergency communication plan
  Make sure that all family members know what to do.  Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.  Teach children how and when to call police or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.  In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.

DURING A HURRICANE WATCH

• Listen to the radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
• Check emergency supplies.
• Fuel car.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
• Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows.
• Remove outside antennas and satellite dishes.
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
• Store drinking water in clean jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils.

DURING A HURRICANE WARNING

• If you need to evacuate your home, lock up home and go to the nearest shelter.
• Take blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.
• Listen constantly to a radio or television for official instructions.
• Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
• Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
• Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
• If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power "surge" when electricity is restored.

Tips supplied by: http://www.cdera.org/doccentre/fs_checklist_home.php