We all remember the horrible aftermaths of Hurricanes Matthew, Michael, Dorrian, and others, that affected the east coast of our country, and especially Florida. Each of these disasters caused millions of dollars in losses to recover all of the damages. But the greatest value, in any case, is human health and life. So let’s explore what can help us to stay safe before, during, and after the storm and hurricane.
The First Part: Before Storm Comes
Here are major rules that will help you to protect yourself, your family, and your pets:
- It will be wise to find at least a couple of internet resources that will provide information about the path of the storm. In such a way it will be possible to track the storm. This information helps to prepare and get to the shelter or evacuation center in time.
- Also, take the time to find out the addresses and the best routes to get all shelters and evacuation centers near you. In case you have pets, focus on pet-friendly shelters and centers to protect your animals too.
- Make sure that you packed all the necessary in advance, namely:
- First aid kits;
- Social Security, Driver License, Passport, and other important documents;
- Clothes that can suit such a situation, namely: water-resistant, warm, and safe;
- Non-perishable food and enough water;
- Tools that can be helpful;
- Flashlights, charges, and others.
The Second Part: During the Storm
- Make sure that you know all the channels of communication using such a disaster that may help you to call for help if need. It can be such channels as the following:
- Phone numbers of Red Cross, emergency information lines, and storm information hotlines in your area;
- Special pages and groups on Facebook that were created to support people during the storm;
- Special feeds on Twitter that were created with the same purpose.
- Take the time and find out all of the companies that provide people with their “helping hands” in such a terrible situation. It can be hotels that offer distress rates, mobile companies that offer free calls and texts in the affected area, and others.
The Third Part: After the End of the Storm
Even if the storm or hurricane lasted only a couple of days it does not mean that after this couple of days your life will back to normal. Unfortunately, it will take many more days, maybe even weeks, months, or years to fix and restore everything that is storm-affected. And here are a few simple rules that help you to stay safe after the end of the storm:
- Be aware and careful because flooding over and rainfall still may happen in the following days after the end of the storm;
- Also, be aware and watch out for gas leaks, damaged power lines, broken glass, and other danger that may be in surroundings after the storm;
- Try to stay out of the roads because they may be flooded, bridges may be collapsed, so do not drive unless it is absolutely necessary.
Safety rules during getting back to your residential house and its restoration:
- Be wary of any type of danger that may be left there after the storm, such as:
- Electrical hazards. How to prevent it: turn off power to your residential house in case it is possible to do it safely.
- Explosions or fire hazards. How to prevent it: turn off the gas in case it is possible to do it safely, also do not light the open flame, and do not smoke in or near your storm-affected house;
- House structures’ collapse hazard. How to prevent it: do not try to clean or repair your house by yourself, in case you enter the home to save some irreplaceable items, do not try to save everything before specialists ensure you that it is safe.
- In case of any health hazards, report to the health department in your area;
- In case it is safe, you can do the following to minimize damage and prepare your house for the restoration process:
- Get air flowing by opening doors and windows, and using fans;
- Pump water out of the basement, but do it only after there will be no water outside of the basement;
- Check the plumbing for cracked pipes and leaks;
- Repair ceilings and floors, as well as patch holes in the roof and walls;
- Remove as much debris from the house as possible;
- Call a professional restoration company that has experience with storm-affected residential house restoration such as Signature Water and Fire Restoration.
Of course, we wish you never faced house damages caused by the storm or hurricane. But in case it unfortunately happens, do not hesitate and call Signature Water and Fire Restoration. Our professional technicians will help you to overcome this disaster and its aftermath. Here is our 24/7 phone number: 1-224-515-0100.