Preparing your home for Hurricane Season

By Nick Cumberland

Unfortunately the 2008 Hurricane Season is upon us and undoubtedly will we have to watch our televisions and face the scenario of a possible evacuation. Planning is a simple yet effective way to make sure you and your family can safely and expeditiously remove yourselves from the path of a hurricanes destruction. If local, county, or state agencies issue mandatory evacuation orders, be sure to give your house the proper attention it requires. Not only will this help protect your belongings, but also keep your items from endangering others.

Quick Home Inspection
• Inspect your roof
• Trim trees
• Update insurance coverage
• Check your shutters
• Test your generator and chainsaw for proper operation.

Before Evacuating Secure Your Home/Condo/Apartment/Business
• Take down and bring in any loose and/or unsecured structures from outdoors, including all balconies.
• Board up windows and glass doors.
• If you live in an apartment or condo, securing your windows and doors will minimize damage to your unit.
• Fill prescriptions.
• Fill propane gas and car gas tank.
• Secure boats and relocate according to predetermined plan.
• Unplug TV/computer and bring antenna and satellite dish inside.
• Add extra chlorine to your pool.
• Turn off electricity to pool equipment and cover pump.
• Move furniture and electronics away from windows and cover with plastic.
• Pull curtains, blinds and shutters.
• Turn off gas appliances at shut-off valve inside the house as well as water and electricity.
• Secure pets in temporary shelter.
• Turn your refrigerator to its coldest setting.
• Place valuables in waterproof containers and store in high place.
After retuning home after the immediate dangers have subsided try and remember there are still things that will require your attention. Make sure to prepare you and your family a post-hurricane kit before you return home.

Two-week supply of food/drink
Maintain a two-week supply of food and drink for when you return to your home after a storm.
• Water and ice
• Special dietary needs items
• Small containers of canned meats, fruits, soups, etc.
• Dry Cereal and crackers
Granola/cereal/protein bars, nuts, peanut butter
Bread
• Canned or bottled juices
• Dry or non-refrigerated milk and baby food or formula

Recovery
• Find out if the authorities have declared the area safe.
• Watch for debris on the road while driving
• Return to your pre-determined assembly point and/or contact your pre-established out-of-area contact person. Make sure all family members have been accounted for and let others know of your status
• Make sure the main electrical switch to your home is off before entering the structure
• Be careful when entering a structure that has been damaged
• If you suspect a gas leak, leave immediately and notify the gas company
• If possible, listen to the radio or contact authorities to find out if sewage lines are intact before turning on the water or using the toilet
• Report utility damage to the proper authorities
Continue to monitor your local news for up-to-date emergency information such as boil water advisories
With a little luck these precautionary measures will not be needed, but being prepared will ultimately help keep your most precious items safe, your loved ones.