What to Do During and After a Hurricane

08 Jul What to Do During and After a Hurricane

Hurricanes are some of the most devastating and costly natural disasters known to man. Preparing your home and family is one of the most fundamental things you can do in order to protect the ones you love.

What Do I Do During a Hurricane?

If you are directed to evacuate be sure to do so. If you feel unsafe in your home then it is better to leave and find shelter where you feel it is safest. If you remain in your home during the storm, follow these tips to stay safe:

• Have a portable radio handy to listen to all the important storm updates, information, and instructions.
• Stay inside and keep away from all windows, skylights, and glass doors. A good safe area would be somewhere like am interior room, closet, or downstairs bathroom.
• Never go outside the protection of your home or shelter before the confirmation that the storm has passed in the area is given. There are many unknowns that could come when you may not guess. hurricanes are very deceptive.
• If power is lost, keep the refrigerator closed to keep the cold air trapped and delay spoilage f perishable foods. (it is also good to go before the storm to get non-perishable foods like cans of soup)
• If you use a portable generator, follow all manufacturer’s instructions. Generators should be properly grounded to prevent electrical shock and should never be operated indoors, in garages, basements, or outdoors near any windows, doors, or vents. Because generators produce carbon monoxide (CO), make sure you have a working CO detector in your home.

What Do I Do After a Hurricane?

After it is confirmed by authorities that the storm has passed and it is safe to go outdoors, you can begin to assess any potential damage to your home and property. Follow these tips after the storm is over:

• If you were evacuated, return home only after authorities advise it is safe to do so.
• Avoid downed power lines. Never touch anything in contact with power lines, including water or water puddles that may be near the downed power lines.
• Protect your property from further damage by boarding up broken windows to help deter vandalism or additional weather damage. Arrange for reasonable temporary repairs.
• Be wary of any gas lines that may have been damaged or broken during the storm. If a gas leak is suspected, stay out of the property until the utility company deems it safe.
• Be cautious of hazards that are a product of the storm, such as water due to flooding, sharp or broken objects, damaged tree limbs or other structures that may have been damaged by high winds or water.
• Keep accurate records of your expenses and save bills and receipts from your temporary repairs. (Avoid making permanent repairs until your Claim professional has reviewed the damage.) Keep accurate records of any other expenses incurred.
• Separate and inventory any damaged personal property. Create a list of any damaged contents, including a description of the item, name of the manufacturer, brand name, age, as well as the place and date of purchase, if known. Include photographs, videotapes or personal property inventories you may already have available.
• If you think your home might be unsafe due to storm damage, contact your insurance company to discuss finding temporary accommodations.

Contact Sava Insurance Group for Discussing Coverage and Insurance for Hurricane Dangers.