Resources For Hurricane Prep
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In light of recent storms, many people across the coastal United States are re-examining their emergency preparedness. Hurricanes and other natural disasters may be incredibly destructive and damaging, but there are steps families can take to ensure they’re prepared the next time foul weather threatens.
Know your terms
Your preparedness levels should follow across three stages: before any hint of bad weather, hurricane watch, and hurricane warning.
A hurricane watch means that conditions are suitable for a hurricane to form within the next 48 hours. If you see a watch, you should take active steps to prepare to leave.
A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected in the next 36 hours. If you’re in an active warning state, you should prepare to follow your local evacuation orders.
General Emergency Preparedness Tips
Before there’s any hint of a hurricane, you can still take steps to make sure you’re ready the next time one comes around.
- Prepare a go bag with emergency supplies that will travel with you in case of an evacuation.
- Stock an emergency kit in your home. Make sure you have food and water to sustain you in case of a power loss.
- Make copies of your important documents.
- Have an evacuation plan agreed upon by all family members before foul weather strikes.
- Check-in with your local government to see what emergency event resources are available to you.
- Have hurricane insurance. Double check your plan to make sure it covers you in all circumstances and that your coverage is up to date.
- Keep a power generator on your property, as well as gasoline to power it.
- Have trees on your property trimmed of all dead or dying branches, and have a professional examine all healthy limbs to see if they would pose a severe risk to your property if they fell?
- Make sure your drainage systems are functional. Secure all gutters and spouts and ensure drainage pathways don’t block up when filled with water. Ensuring that the water has somewhere to go can dramatically reduce the risk of damage to your home.
- Have an appraiser examine your roof and windows. If they aren’t secure enough to withstand strong wind, retrofit them to your home’s frame.
If a Hurricane is Imminent:
- Move all vehicles to higher ground so their components aren’t ruined.
- Charge your electrical devices. Consider having a few portable chargers as well.
- Close storm shutters or board your windows.
- Turn your fridge and freezer on the highest setting, and don’t open the doors except when necessary to preserve cold air.
- Keep a radio or TV playing so you can keep an eye on the storm’s movement.
Recovering from a Storm
Once your area is declared safe, know what you need to do after the hurricane has passed.
- Take photos of any damage before you clean it up.
- Make sure your friends and loved ones are accounted for.
- Follow local regulations for disposing of debris and damage.
- File an insurance claim, and contact an attorney if the company doesn’t give you your due as a policyholder.
- Restock your emergency supplies in preparation for the next storm.
You are invited to spend the next few minutes browsing our website; if you have any questions, please call and speak directly to your local
“Attorney Big Al” at 1-800-HURT-123.