How to Prepare Yourself and Your Property for Hurricanes

In this age of advanced technologies and improvised methods of forecasting weather conditions, you and your home are still under the risk of hurricanes. In this post, we will be discussing some tips on how to prepare oneself and the property to minimize the effects of such blizzards. This useful information will definitely help you (especially if you are residing in coastal areas) to organize yourself before, during and after a storm or hurricane strikes.
Preparing before the storm/hurricane arrives: – Get acquainted with evacuation routes (especially if you live near the coast). – Keep stock of flashlights and batteries (you can never rely on electricity especially during storms). – Make sure that your property abides by the various building codes and that you have storm shutters/ hurricane shutters installed in your doors and windows. – Keep first aid kit, supplies and tools readily available. – Keep stock of plenty of non-perishable foods.
What to do when warning or watch is issued by governing authorities: – It is usually reasonable to leave low lying areas (if you are residing there) as you will be the one that will be flooded first. – Shield your windows and doors with hurricane shutters and ensure that these are fixed to the structural framing of the house and not just the frames. – Ensure that your automobiles have plenty of fuel and that you have secured the garage as well. – You should secure outside objects in particular those that are movable. – You should counsel your family members and make sure that there is enough food and water in store for them to sustain a few weeks. – If the situation calls for and you are advised by authorities, you should evacuate without delay (knowing the evacuation routes discussed earlier will help amply)
What to DO just before the storm arrives: – You should be on your heels to put the previously planned preparation into action. – Have a keen eye towards weather reports on local TV, radio or the internet (making adequate use of social media is highly recommended). – Should have a secure room (basement is acceptable) for emergencies. – Ensure that the first aid kits, tools and supplies are within reach of hand. – You should double check the storm shutters for any irregularities.
What to Do During the Storm: – You should stay in the secure room that you had finalized in the previous step. – Stay away from doors and windows as much as possible (even if the storm and hurricane shutters are in place). – You should use the supplies you have on hand judiciously. – You should not use electronic devices, phones, etc. – You should keep a tight vigil and be all ears for weather updates and bulletins on radio (NOAA is preferable) – You should stay indoors especially when the eye of the storm is close.
What to do after the storm is over: – You should not be complacent and foray out at once (ensuring that the storm is way out and the area is clear will help). – If there are any power lines down, you should report it urgently and should keep away from them. – You can use the stored food and water supplies till everything becomes normal. – It is also advisable to be patient as it normally takes some time before everything including power supplies and life comes back to track again.
And finally, in this coming season do remember to install storm shutters and hurricane proof windows in your home and do not get swayed by the old age myth of glue taping your windows. Many people believe that taping their windows will reduce smashing to smithereens and help in cleaning afterwards. While the reality is far from that; in fact, if you tape a window, instead of shattering, the wind will make them like sharp daggers. This only gives you a false sense of security and has no value not to mention it wastes valuable time. Armed with these tips, you are ready to face the deadly storms and hurricanes and ensure that your family and property is safe and minimal damage is done.