{"id":1684,"date":"2020-05-27T09:34:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-27T09:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/lexington-ky-puroclean-west-lexington\/blog\/how-to-prepare-for-hurricane-season-2\/"},"modified":"2020-05-27T09:34:00","modified_gmt":"2020-05-27T09:34:00","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-hurricane-season-2","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/lexington-ky-puroclean-west-lexington\/blog\/how-to-prepare-for-hurricane-season-2\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare for Hurricane Season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Officially, the hurricane season starts on June 1 and ends on November 30. However, in the Eastern Caribbean and along the US East Coast, the peak season runs mostly from mid-August through mid-September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hurricanes are powerful and unpredictable storms that can cause immense damages in their path. To stay safe and protect your property during a hurricane, preparedness is key. Check out how to prepare for hurricanes and what to do during and after one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hurricane Preparedness Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Before&nbsp;<\/strong><strong>the Hurricane<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Create an\u00a0emergency kit. FEMA recommends packing the following items in your emergency kit:<ul><li>Water\u00a0for drinking and sanitation to last at least 3 days;<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Non-perishable food\u00a0for at least 3 days;<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Hand crank\u00a0or\u00a0battery-powered radio\u00a0(tuned in to\u00a0NOAA\u00a0Weather Radio),\u00a0as well as spare batteries;<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Flashlight\u00a0with extra batteries;<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>First aid kit;<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Whistle\u00a0to call for help;<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Dust mask,\u00a0plastic sheeting\u00a0and\u00a0duct-tape\u00a0for shelter making;<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Moist\u00a0towelettes\u00a0and\u00a0garbage bags\u00a0for sanitation;<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Pliers or wrench\u00a0to turn off utilities;<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Can opener;<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Local\u00a0maps;<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Cell phone\u00a0with an extra charger.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Learn your area\u2019s flooding risk and community hurricane evacuation routes. Know the\u00a0geographical area\u00a0you live in.<\/li><li>Create a family evacuation plan. Determine a meeting place for your family and routes to get there. Plan how to get in touch with your family if separated. Plan where you\u2019ll go if you must evacuate, such as a shelter.<\/li><li>If you don\u2019t have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/blog\/does-my-homeowners-insurance-cover-water-damage\/\">flood insurance<\/a>, get one now. Regular homeowners insurance policies don\u2019t cover flood damage.<\/li><li>Find out whether your property is flood-prone due to its elevation level.<\/li><li>If there are levees and dams in your area, find out if they pose a hazard to you when the storm hits.<\/li><li>Store copies of important documents, such as proof of ownership of any property in your emergency kit.<\/li><li>Back up the data on your electronic devices to ensure it\u2019s secure if your computer or other devices are damaged during the hurricane.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Secure Your Property:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Secure your roof.<\/strong>\u00a0Make your roofing and frames stronger by installing reinforcements, such as straps or clips. Also, secure loose shingles with heavy-duty adhesive and seal around your home\u2019s chimney or vent pipes to keep water out.<\/li><li><strong>Maintain<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>gutters and downspouts. <\/strong>Clean your gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent clogs. These could cause water damage to your home when the rain starts to pour. Also ensure your gutters are strong and not sagging.<\/li><li><strong>Secure your windows.<\/strong>\u00a0Strong winds can shatter your windows, leaving your home vulnerable. The best way to secure your windows is to install permanent storm shutters, which can be made of steel, aluminum, and other materials. Installing plywood is also a good defense for your windows. However, avoid taping as it doesn\u2019t prevent glass from breaking.<\/li><li><strong>Caulk your home.\u00a0<\/strong>Caulking is a fast way to waterproof your house and reinforce vulnerable areas. Caulk around your windows and doors, the edges of your house, and around chimneys and other roof penetrations.<\/li><li><strong>Insulate the outside first floor walls<\/strong>\u00a0with rigid foam or install plastic sheeting. It won\u2019t stop all the water from getting in, but most of the silt will be kept out.<\/li><li><strong>Reinforce your<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/lexington-ky-puroclean-west-lexington\/blog\/dont-let-flooding-ruin-your-garage-learn-how-to-prevent-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>garage.\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>To make it withstand powerful winds, secure your garage door with a brace kit rated for storm and hurricane winds. Other ways to strengthen your garage door are installing a metal post system or covering the door with metal panels, fabric screen or 5\/8-inch plywood.<\/li><li><strong>Trim trees<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>and shrubs<\/strong>. Loose branches in your yard (and neighborhood) could be struck by powerful winds during a storm, damaging your house. So cut those dead or loose branches to safeguard your property.<\/li><li><strong>Secure loose objects.\u00a0<\/strong>Your yard may also host objects that could become projectiles in high winds. Tie down and secure anything that could be swept up by winds, such as potted plants, lawn furniture, and dog houses. When a storm is imminent, bring light objects inside.<\/li><li><strong>Protect appliances from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/lexington-ky-puroclean-west-lexington\/blog\/how-can-i-prepare-for-a-power-outage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">power outages<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong>While you should unplug electrical devices during a powerful storm, it\u2019s ideal to also purchase a surge protector. It prevents damage to your devices in case the power goes out.<\/li><li><strong>Move valuables to a higher floor<\/strong>. As electronics and appliances are susceptible to water damage, move them to a higher floor. If you can\u2019t, at least raise them off the floor on concrete blocks.<\/li><li><strong>Use sandbags when a storm is hours from arriving.<\/strong>\u00a0Pile up sandbags at least two feet high as an efficient barricade against floodwaters. If you don\u2019t have sandbags, place heavy-duty garbage bags \u2013 filled one-third of the way with water \u2013 around your house doors.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>When a storm is hours from arriving: <\/strong><ul><li>Ensure your car in good working condition and fill up the gas tank. If you\u2019re going to evacuate, stock your vehicle with emergency supplies.<\/li><li>Charge your cell phone to have a full battery if the power goes out. <\/li><li>Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting so that food lasts longer during a power outage.<\/li><li>Be alert for the latest weather updates and emergency instructions. <\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>During the Hurricane<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>If authorities advise or order you to evacuate your area, take your emergency kit and leave immediately. Strictly follow posted evacuation routes and do not try to take shortcuts.<\/li><li>If you are outside and the storm approaches, get indoors as soon as possible to avoid being hit by flying debris.<\/li><li>If your home is on low-lying ground or if you\u2019re in a mobile home, go to the nearest safe place, such as a shelter.<\/li><li>While indoors, stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Find a safer spot to stay in, such as an interior room or a bathroom on the lower level.<\/li><li>During the storm, electrical wiring may be damaged; don\u2019t use electrical appliances to avoid fire hazards and electrical shocks.<\/li><li>If your home is under the risk of flooding, turn off electricity at the main circuit breaker. Don\u2019t turn on electricity until local authorities have advised you to do so.<\/li><li>Never use gasoline-powered or charcoal-burning devices inside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep those devices outside.<\/li><li>If trapped in a building that\u2019s flooding, go to the highest level. However, don\u2019t climb into a closed attic as rising floodwater may trap you.<\/li><li>Lightning is also a safety risk.\u00a0Stay safe from lightning\u00a0in your home during a storm by NOT using the shower, phone, or electrical equipment.<\/li><li>Be aware that the eye of the storm may pass over your area, during which the storm will calm. However, the storm can start again without warning.<\/li><li>Stay indoors until the local authorities have announced that the storm is over. Listen to the radio or turn on the TV (if safe do so) to get the latest updates.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>After&nbsp;<\/strong><strong>the Hurricane<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Listen to authorities for information and special instructions.<\/li><li>Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through water. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Floodwater may also can contain contaminants, dangerous debris or downed power lines.<\/li><li>Enter a damaged building only after the electrical system, gas lines, and plumbing have been inspected for damage.<\/li><li>Take photos of any property damage and contact your insurance company for assistance. Wear protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, rubber boots, and masks when inspecting your home.<\/li><li>Don\u2019t touch wet electrical equipment, more so if you\u2019re standing in water.<\/li><li>Throw out food that has been exposed to floodwaters or have not been maintained at a proper temperature. When in doubt, throw it out.<\/li><li>Don\u2019t drink tap water if you\u2019re not sure it\u2019s safe.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For flood cleanup services, contact the PuroClean drying professionals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Water damage in your property can still occur even if you have followed proper tips on how to prepare for hurricanes. After a flooding incident, everything that got wet in your property must be dried, cleaned, and disinfected immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For water removal services and mold cleaning services, contact PuroClean immediately. Our team will arrive at your location in a timely manner to avert further water damage and mold growth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hurricanes are the most destructive natural disasters in the U.S. and preparing for them is your best bet to stay safe and protect your property.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1685,"template":"","blog-category":[12,13],"class_list":["post-1684","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blog-category-mold-restoration","blog-category-water-restoration"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/lexington-ky-puroclean-west-lexington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/1684","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/lexington-ky-puroclean-west-lexington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/lexington-ky-puroclean-west-lexington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/lexington-ky-puroclean-west-lexington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/lexington-ky-puroclean-west-lexington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/1684\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/lexington-ky-puroclean-west-lexington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1685"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/lexington-ky-puroclean-west-lexington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1684"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"blog-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/lexington-ky-puroclean-west-lexington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog-category?post=1684"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}