During a hurricane, threats to your home and safety come from high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, and tornadoes. While there is nothing you can do to prevent a hurricane from coming your way, there are essential steps you can take to protect your home and family before, during, and after a hurricane.
Before
Before a hurricane, you should sign up for local alerts and warnings while monitoring local news and weather reports. This is also a good time to learn your evacuation routes and plan where you’re going to stay in case you need to leave your home. Pack a “go bag,” stock emergency supplies, and collect any critical medical, financial, and legal documents.
Of course, this is also the time you need to protect your property. Board your windows, place sandbags around the foundation of your home, and move all furniture off the ground level, if possible.
During
If you are advised to evacuate, don’t try to ride it out at home; grab your “go bag” and leave immediately. If you’re not ordered to evacuate and able to stay in your home, keep away from windows and seek shelter on the lowest level in an interior room, only moving to higher ground if there is flooding. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 9-1-1.
After
If you have evacuated, return home only after authorities express that it is safe to do so, and don’t enter damaged buildings unless they are inspected by qualified individuals. Never drive or walk through flooded roads, and look out for drowned or unstable trees, poles, and power lines. Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and thick-soled shoes to protect your hands and feet while cleaning up. Check refrigerated food for spoilage, and if in doubt, throw it out, and avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you’re positive it isn’t contaminated.
At Storm Tight Windows of Texas, we can provide you with windows and doors that can withstand hurricane-force winds, so you can rest easy knowing that your home is better protected during a storm. Contact us today for more information and to schedule a free consultation at your home.
http://www.stormtightwindowstexas.com/blog/blog/post-hurricane-clean-up-tips/
