It’s crucial to be prepared for a storm, even if it isn’t in a region prone to hurricanes. A hurricane can appear on the horizon within a few seconds and cause widespread destruction. How well prepared you are will determine the speed at which you will recuperate from the storm’s aftermath.
This blog will focus on getting ready for the possibility of a hurricane. We’ll go over the steps you can take to get ready, react to the storm as it’s occurring, and get back on track following the storm’s destruction.
Continue reading to find out more!
What Is A Hurricane?
The term “hurricane” refers to a large storm system that is formed over ocean waters and frequently can move towards land. Expect turbulent, rainy, and windy conditions, with a lot of flooding both in the coastal and inland areas and rip currents and tornadoes. The force of hurricanes is deadly storms.
A hurricane could injure and cause death to its victims due to drowning, powerful winds, and falling debris. The effects of hurricanes can destroy homes, structures as well as roads. Most common causes are water, power, and gas interruptions, making it more difficult to move around or get what you require. The storms can also cause water pollution, making it essential to boil water to cook or drink.
Does it sound terrible?
It does.
We hope you’ll never need to worry about it, but we’d like you to be ready to ensure that you aren’t surprised or end up in a difficult scenario should a hurricane strike.
How You Can Prepare Today
Although it could take several months before a storm strikes, there are ways you can get ready now.
- You can sign-up to receive local alerts. Many local governments provide emergency alerts via text messages.
- Make a plan for your emergency evacuation. It includes knowing your evacuation route, the location you’ll go, and having a bag you can carry your belongings in case of a situation. There are evacuation routes in the FEMA app.
- Be sure to have plenty of emergency supplies (more about it below).).
- Get your residence ready to withstand a storm. Install sewer backflow valves as well as anchoring tanks for fuel. Find out which insurance coverage you have.
- Purchase a safe to safeguard important documents.
How You Can Respond During The Hurricane
You’ll receive emergency alerts from local authorities. It is crucial to follow their advice to remain safe during the hurricane. Remember that the guidelines can be altered as authorities monitor the impact of the hurricane. As the storm develops as it does, so will your approach.
It’s tempting to stay at your house. It’s important to leave if requested to leave. Get your bags packed and leave. Be careful not to walk near windows, and don’t look for refuge upstairs. The lower levels of a house or structure will provide additional safety in a storm. Only exception is in the event of flooding.
Contact 911 if you discover yourself in a situation of emergency during an apocalypse. But keep in mind that calls constantly bombard the emergency responders, so they could help you deal with the issue yourself or require you to wait for assistance to arrive.
Preparing Your Go-Bag
It’s been mentioned that you should pack and grab your bag a few times. Your bag should have everything you need for an emergency, but it shouldn’t have any unnecessary items, as this will cause your bag to weigh more than what you’d like to carry.
We suggest packing the following supplies:
• Medical supplies, such as prescription and non-prescription epi-pens, medications, etc.
• Tools to help protect you, such as an aid kit for first aid, including flares, jumper cables, flares, wool blankets and a change of clothes and flashlights, matches, multi-purpose tools, and a whistle
• Three days of non-perishable food items and water
• Hygiene products include wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and hand wash
• Wearing protective gear such as warm clothing, closed-toe shoes, warm clothes, and gloves
• Items that are irreplaceable and you’d hate to lose in a hurricane
Your bag, if already packed, can ease the anxiety and stress of the storm, even if just slightly. You don’t need to spend time searching for the required items. Take your bag and go to the safety of your home.
Prepare Your Home
Preparing your home for a storm is the best option to have your home still in good condition when a storm has caused damage. It is a good idea to safeguard your home from flooding and wind.
High Winds
To shield your home from the damaging winds, it is recommended to reinforce it to protect it from the force of the storm. Also, you can build a safe area or storm shelter. If you choose to build a storm shelter, follow FEMA’s ICC 500 criteria to ensure you and your family remain protected.
You can safeguard the exterior of your house by bringing in objects which could turn into storm debris. For instance, your furniture on your patio garbage bins, garbage bags, and even bicycles. If something isn’t safe to take inside, like gas grills or propane tank, do your best to anchor them to your ground. It’s an excellent idea to trim trees surrounding your home to ensure that the branches don’t fall over and ruin your house.
Flood
To safeguard your home from flooding, clear your drains and gutters; Install a water alarm and sump pumps. Install check valves; buy materials such as plastic sheeting, plywood, and sandbags. You can also safeguard your air conditioning and heating systems.
How to Respond After the Hurricane
If you’ve been evacuated, stay there until local officials inform you which direction to take. And if you did not evacuate, remain in your home until you’re safe to leave. This could take a long time. Therefore, you’ll need non-perishable food items and water as you wait. Do not rush out of the home the minute you’re able; that’s why many people get injured or killed during the aftermath of a hurricane.
Be careful when walking around in floodwaters in a building that is not inspected or using electrical devices. There’s a risk of dangerous debris in the water that you won’t be able to see. A seemingly safe house may collapse on you. Also, electricity can be a shock if you’re near electrical or water damage due to the storm.
Southeast Water Restoration Can Help
Did a hurricane damage your home? Even after having prepared for a storm, your home could be damaged. We’re sorry that your home isn’t as good as it was! However, the positive part is that Southeast Water Restoration can restore your home. We are experts in a storm, water, and mold damage and all that you may require in the disaster’s aftermath.
Southeast Water Restoration is a water damage restoration Atlanta company that provides services to most of Georgia. We can be reached by calling (404) 631-7022 or using our contact page on the website. Don’t be afraid to contact us if your house needs repairs. We’ll be there for your home.
