How to Prepare for Hurricane Season | TMG Companies

While Hurricane season starts June 1st and goes until November 30th globally, the peak time along the East Coast runs from mid-August through mid-September. So we are heading into prime time Hurricane season and need to be prepared for what is to come.

Hurricanes are very powerful and very unpredictable storms that can cause immense damage. It can be hard to predict what kind of damage will be caused and can range from minimal to devastating. In order to stay safe and protect your property during a hurricane you must be prepared. Lucky for you we have made a list on how to prepare and what to do after one hits.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips

BEFORE THE HURRICANE

Create an emergency kit- FEMA recommends packing these items into a kit.

• • Water for drinking and sanitation that can last you roughly 3 days
  • Non-perishable food than can last you 3 days
  • Hand crank or battery powered radio- tuned to NOAA weather radio- as well as extra batteries
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle to call for help
  • Shelter making supplies: dust mask, plastic sheeting, and duct tape
  • Moist towelettes and garbage bags for sanitation
  • Pliers or wrench to turn off utilities
  • Can opener
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with extra charger

Learn your areas flooding risk and community hurricane evacuation routes. You want to know the geographical area you live in.

Create a family evacuation plan. You want to determine a meeting place for you and your family and routes to get there. You will want to plan how to get in touch with your family is you are separated. Make a plan on where you will go if you have evacuate.

If you do not have flood insurance then you will want to get it ASAP. Regular home insurance polices do not cover flood damage.

Find out whether your property is flood prone due to its elevation level.

If you have levees and dams in your area, find out if they pose a hazard to you when the storm hits.

Store copies of important documents, like proof of ownership of any property in your emergency kit.

Back up any data on your electronic devices to ensure it is secure if your computer or devices are damaged during the storm.

SECURE YOUR PROPERTY

• • Secure your roof: Make your roofing and frames stronger by installing reinforcement with straps or clips. Also secure any loose shingles with heavy-duty adhesive and seal around your home’s chimney or vent pipes to keep water out.
  • Maintain gutters and downspouts: Clean your gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent clogs. These could cause water damage to your home when the rain starts to pour. Also make sure your gutters are strong and not sagging and also secured to your home.
  • Caulk your home: 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 too penetrations
  • Insulate the outside first floor walls: you can use rigid foam or install plastic sheeting. While this won’t stop all the water from getting in, most of the silt will be kept out.
  • Reinforce your Garage: You will want to secure your garage door with a brace kit rated for storm and hurricane winds. Other ways to strengthen your garage door is to install a metal post system of covering the door with metal panels, fabric screen or 5/8 once plywood
  • Trim Trees and Shrubs: Loose branches in your yard and neighborhood could be struck by powerful winds during a storm, damaging your house. You will want to cut down dead or loose branches to safeguard your property.
  • Secure Loose Objects: Your yard could be a host for objects that can become projectiles in high winds. You want to make sure you tie down and secure anything that could be swept up by winds like potted plants, lawn furniture, grills, and dog houses. When a storm is imminent, bring light objects inside.
  • Move valuables to a higher floor: Since electronics and appliances are susceptible to water damage, you will want to move them to a higher floor.If you are unable to move them, then raise them off the floor concrete blocks.
  • Use sandbags when a storm is hours from arriving. You will want to pile up sandbags at least 2ft. High as an efficient barricade against flood waters. If you do not have sandbags then place heavy duty garbage bags filled 1/3 of the way with water around your house doors.

WHEN THE STORM IS HOURS AWAY FROM ARRIVING

Ensure your car is in good working condition and is filled up with gas. If you are going to evacuate, stock your vehicle with emergency supplies

Charge your cell phone to have full battery if the power goes out

Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting so that the food last longer during a power outage

Be alert fo the latest weather updates and emergency instructions

DURING THE HURRICANE

If you are advised by authorities or they 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.

If you are outside as the storm approaches, you need to get indoors as soon as possible to avoid being hit by flying debris.

If your home is on low-lying ground or if you’re in a mobile home, go to the nearest safe place, like a shelter.

Once indoors, you need to 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.

During the storm, electrical wiring may be damaged; don’t use electrical appliances to avoid fire hazards and electrical shocks.

If your home is under the risk of flooding, you need to turn off electricity at the main circuit breaker. Don’t turn on electricity until local authorities have advised you to do so.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, never use gasoline-powered or charcoal-burning devices inside. 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 floodwater may trap you.

Lightning is also a safety risk. To stay safe from lightning in your home during a storm by NOT using the shower, phone, or electrical equipment.

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.

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.

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 are 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 if you’re not sure it’s safe.

For flood cleanup services, contact TMG Companies

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.

For water removal services and mold cleaning services, contact TMG Companies immediately. Our team will arrive at your location in a timely manner to avert further water damage and mold growth.

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