After a Hurricane

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding after recent Hurricane Irma in Miami

With Hurricane Season upon us, here are a few tips to help keep you safe should you be affected by a storm.

After Hurricane

• Let friends and family know you’re safe - Register yourself as safe on the Safe and Well website
• If evacuated, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
• Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.
• Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding.

Caring For Yourself & Loved Ones

• Pay attention to how you and your loved ones are experiencing and handling stress. Promote emotional recovery by following these tips.
• Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula.
• Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
• Help people who require extra assistance —infants, elderly people, those without transportation, large families who may need additional help in an emergency situation, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them.

Returning Home Safely

• Stay out of any building that has water around it.
• Keep away from loose or dangling power lines. Report them immediately to the power company.
• Follow these tips for inspecting your properties structure and utilities after a hurricane.
• Take pictures of home damage, both of the buildings and its contents, for insurance purposes.

Cleaning and Repairing Your Home

• Wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots, and be cautious when cleaning up.
• Learn more about how to clean up after a hurricane, including the supplies you’ll need, how to deal with contaminated food and water, and how to repair water damage.
• Don’t just repair your home, build in hurricane-resistant features to help protect against future storms:
  • Secure double entry doors at the top and bottom.
  • Strengthen garage doors to improve wind resistance, particularly double-wide garage doors.
  • Select trees that are not as subject to uprooting to replace any damaged ones. A gardening or landscaping professional can give you excellent advice.
  • If your home has been significantly damaged and will require rebuilding parts or all of it, consider building a safe room.

Ask a Professional to

• Ensure roof sheathing is properly installed.
• Ensure end gables are securely fastened to the rest of the roof.
• Fasten the roof to the walls with hurricane straps.
• Elevate your home if it’s near the coast and subject to flooding from storm surge.