After the Storm

After a Tropical Storm or Hurricane has left our area, the need to keep up to date become more critical.  Where can I get gasoline? What about ice?  Is my child’s school open tomorrow?  Check here for the most up to date information as we piece life back together.

Here are tips to remember from the American Red Cross

What to do After a Hurricane

 

  • Be alert for rainfall and subsequent flooding.
  • Only return home when officials say it is safe.
  • Stay off roads.  If you must drive avoid standing water.
  • Avoid loose or dangling power lines.  Report if you see any.
  • Stay out of any building that has water around it.
  • Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
  • If you lost power, don’t use candles due to fire risk.  Use flashlights.
  • Don’t drink tap water or cook with it until you know it is safe to drink.
  • Check and throw out any spoiled food.

When rebuilding

  • Secure double entry doors at the top and the bottom.
  • Strengthen existing garage doors to improve the wind resistance
  • Protect windows with permanent storm shutters
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding and unnecessary pressure on the awnings.
  • Select trees that are not as subject to uprooting to replace damaged ones. A gardening or landscaping professional can give you excellent advice.
  • Identify a place to store lawn furniture, toys, gardening tools and trash cans that is away from stairs and exits to prevent them from being moved by high winds and becoming missiles.

 

Let Your Family Know You are Safe