Hurricanes are a destructive force. They can eliminate landmarks, homes and, even take lives. It is important to know hurricane safety and to be prepared in an emergency. By reviewing these tips, you should know what to do before a hurricane, during a hurricane and after a hurricane hits your region.
The best time to prepare is before hurricane season starts
(in June). Follow these simple steps:
·
Gather items and put together an emergency
kit that can last you several days. For tips on what should be included in
your emergency kit (water, food, and supplies) please visit https://www.ready.gov/kit.
·
Write out your family’s emergency plan.
Before an emergency happens, sit with your family, or loved ones and discuss
your plan. How will you get in touch with each other? Where will you go? And
what will you do? You can find lots of emergency plans on the www.ready.gov website.
·
Look over your insurance coverage. You
want to make sure you and your property are covered before an emergency occurs.
Review all the coverage you pay for because you might need additional flood insurance.
If a hurricane is moving in the direction of where you live
and depending on the severity, it might be best to evacuate. If you will need
to evacuate your home, let friends and family know. Follow these important
tips:
·
Secure your home. Board windows up to
protect glass from breaking. It is best to buy these supplies early, so you
aren’t in a rush to get supplies you need to protect your home.
·
Stay alert and informed. Listen to the
news and weather station so that you know what is always going on.
·
Listen to orders of local officials. If
there is a mandatory evacuation, it is incredibly important you listen and follow
orders to stay safe and evacuate.
·
Take refugee in your home. If you do not
have to evacuate, the best places in your home to take cover are the interior hallways,
interior rooms, and closets. Stay away from windows including glass doors.
After a hurricane strikes, we sometimes think the worst is
over. But the damage left by the hurricane can cause a lot of upset and stress
as well. Follow theses tips to ensure you are ready:
·
If you had to evacuate, you can return home once
officials have given the all clear and say it is ok to return home.
·
Check the outside of your home for any
damages. Look out for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage
that needs to be reported or fixed.
·
Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of
the leading causes of death after storms in areas dealing with power
outages. Never use a portable generator inside your home or garage.
·
If you do not have power, use battery powered
flashlights. Please do not light candles.
·
Continue staying informed by watching the
weather channel.
Remember all these tips to ensure you are prepared for a
hurricane should it come your way. And if you ever find yourself in an emergency,
please do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 for help!
