Owning property has its share of advantages and disadvantages, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters. Hurricanes, while often predictable days or weeks in advance, can cause significant damage and disrupt lives.
Call ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief at (813) 295-7797 or message us online for emergency services available 24/7.
Preparation is key to minimizing a storm’s impact. Here are some essential steps to take before a hurricane strikes:
1. Plan Your Evacuation Route Well in Advance
If you live near the coast or in a mobile home, you may need to evacuate ahead of time. Creating your evacuation plan well before a disaster strikes ensures you are prepared even without local government instructions. Know the nearest shelters, account for your pets, gather important documents, and perform a trial run to ensure everything goes smoothly.
2. Consider a Generator
Investing in a generator is a wise decision as a hurricane approaches. While generators can be expensive, they are invaluable during power outages. You’ll appreciate having one when the power goes out, making the cost worthwhile in the long run.
3. Prepare Emergency Supplies
Beat the last-minute rush to stores by having emergency supplies ready. Essential items include:
- Extra batteries
- Candles or fuel lamps
- Matches (kept dry)
- Materials and tools for emergency home repairs (heavy plastic sheeting, plywood, hammer, etc.)
- First aid kit
- Prescription drugs
- Drinking water supplies
- Canned foods
- Portable/chargeable/battery-operated radio
- Flashlights
- Basic tools
4. Maintain a Personal Property Inventory
Creating a home inventory ensures you have adequate insurance to replace personal possessions. It also speeds up the claims process, validates losses for tax purposes, and is generally useful. Ensure your home inventory is among the important documents you take if you evacuate.
5. Secure Proper Insurance
Securing proper insurance is crucial before closing on a property. Ensure the insurance coverage takes effect immediately upon closing. Once a hurricane is on the radar, it’s too late to get coverage.
6. Take Steps to Protect Your Home
Hurricanes can turn landscaping materials into projectiles, break windows and doors, and cause extensive damage. While modifying your home for protection is an expense, it can be done in stages:
- Replace gravel or rock landscaping materials with shredded bark to minimize damage.
- Trim weak branches or trees that could fall on your house.
- Ensure door exteriors are hurricane-proof with at least three hinges and a one-inch deadbolt lock.
- Install tempered glass in sliding doors and cover them with shutters or plywood during a storm.
- Replace old garage doors with ones approved for wind pressure and impact protection.
- Secure outside wall openings such as vents, outdoor electrical outlets, garden hose bibs, and places where cables or pipes enter the wall.
Surviving a Hurricane: Before, During, and After the Storm
Before the Storm Hits
- Residents in coastal areas should create evacuation plans before any warnings are issued
- Stock up on emergency supplies, including food, water, clothing, medications, first aid kits, flashlights, batteries, important documents, and gasoline.
During the Storm
- Listen to local authorities on the radio or television.
- Stay inside the most secure building possible and away from windows.
- Wait for authorities to announce that the hurricane has passed before venturing out.
Expert Water and Flood Restoration Company in Clearwater, FL
ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief is a leading water and flood damage restoration company serving Clearwater and all areas of Pinellas County. We provide the tools and expertise to help you and your family, including your pets, stay organized and ready to act quickly in case of an emergency.
Contact ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief at (813) 295-7797 or message us to know more about our restoration services. We service Oldsmar, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, Pinellas Park, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Florida and surrounding areas.
