Hurricane Preparedness

BEFORE THE STORM

• Clear your gutters and drains to ensure excess amounts of water have somewhere to go.
  
  
• If you have a backup generator and sump pump, make sure they are in proper working order. If you don’t own either and your home is susceptible to power outages or flooding, consider investing in these items.
  
  
• Bring in garbage cans, lawn furniture, bikes, toys, hanging plants and lawn decorations. If possible, consider removing swings from swingsets to prevent unnecessary damage.
  
  
• Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy in case of loss of power.  Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
  
  
• If you lose power, turn off all major appliances to avoid a power surge when the power is turned back on. Before the storm starts, be sure you have easy access to your circuit breaker.
  
  
• Do not drive or walk through standing water. Water can be deeper than it appears. Two feet of water can sweep away most cars and six inches of moving water can sweep you away when walking.
  
  
• Refresh/build your emergency kits. See list below.
  
  

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  EMERGENCY KIT: consider including the follow items

  • Back-up glasses/contacts/solution 

  • 3 days-worth of nonperishable food and water

  • Change of clothes

  • Cash

  • Pet supplies

  • Flashlight and extra batteries

  • Phone chargers and power banks

  • Personal hygiene items

  • Basic first aid

  • Extra medication

  • Extra set of house and car keys

  • Copies of important documents 

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  AFTER THE STORM
  

  Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.

  Look to see if any shingles on your roof have blown off or been damaged.

  If you do get water in your home, be sure to remove it and dry the area. Mold can potentially start growing in two days, so if an area remains wet for more than a couple days, contact a professional to come check it out.

  If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.

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  RESOURCES
  
  RedCross.org
  USA.gov
  Ready.gov
  DisasterAssistance.gov
  FEMA.gov
  FloodSmart.gov
  HUD.gov
  SBA.gov
  USDA.gov