All natural disasters are devastating, and hurricanes are among the most destructive natural disasters in the U.S. Knowing when and how to prepare for hurricanes is the best way to keep your family safe and protect your property. Keep reading to learn how to prepare for hurricanes and what to do during and after one.
How to Prepare Before the Hurricane
- Create a emergency kit, or a 72 hour kit, which includes provisions for at least three days. Prepare important documents and include medications, shelf-stable food, water filters (like Brita bottles), pet supplies (if needed), and anything else that could help if relocation becomes necessary.
- Prepare a family evacuation plan. Determine a meeting place for your family and outline routes to get there. Plan how to communicate with your family if separated. Plan where you will go if you must evacuate, such as a shelter.
- Learn your area’s flooding risk and where community hurricane evacuation routes are. Prepare a way to get there.
- If you don’t have flood insurance, think about getting one now. Regular homeowners insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage.
- Secure your property:
- Fasten your roof with straps or clips to reduce damage.
- Prune trees and shrubs in your yard for more wind resistance.
- Clean and maintain your rain gutters and downspouts.
- Reinforce your garage door to make it withstand powerful winds.
- Get an electricity generator to run essential appliances if the power goes out.
- Learn how to shut off the power and gas to your home.
- When a storm is hours from arriving:
- Ensure your car in good working condition and fill up the gas tank. If you’re going to evacuate, stock your vehicle with emergency supplies.
- Bring light-weighing objects, such as patio furniture inside. These could be blown away by high wind. Anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside, like propane tanks.
- Cover your windows with permanent storm shutters or board them up with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood.
- Charge your cell phone to have a full battery if the power goes out.
- Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting so that food lasts longer during a power outage.
- Be alert for the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
During the Hurricane
- If authorities issue an evacuate order, take your emergency kit and leave immediately. Strictly follow posted evacuation routes and do not try to take shortcuts.
- If you didn’t receive an evacuation notice, stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors. Seek shelter on the lowest level in an interior room.
- Never use gasoline-powered or charcoal-burning devices inside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep those devices outside.
- If trapped in a building that’s flooding, go to the highest level. However, don’t climb into a closed attic as rising flood water may trap you.
After the Hurricane
- Listen to authorities for information and special instructions.
- 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.
- Enter a damaged building only after the electrical system, gas lines, and plumbing have been inspected for damage.
- 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.
- Don’t touch wet electrical equipment, especially if you’re standing in water.
- Throw out food that has been exposed to floodwaters or have not been maintained at a proper temperature. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Don’t drink tap water until you can guarantee it’s safe
After a flooding incident, anything in your property that got wet must be dried, cleaned, and disinfected right away to prevent further damage and mold growth.
If you ever find yourself facing water damage or mold after a hurricane, our team is here to help. Call us at 732-366-9300 for immediate assistance. We truly hope you’ll never need our services, but if you do, know that we’ll be ready to restore your home and peace of mind.
