The Garage Plan Shop Blog

Hurricane season begins in June and lasts to the end of November. If you live in a coastal area, of course you will want to prepare ahead of time. Below are eight hints and tips to help you prepare:

1. Plan – Create a plan for your household and review it with all of its members. Include a place away from home where everyone can meet if they cannot get home. Also, designate a contact away from your immediate area that everyone can call in case of emergency. Keep hard copies of emergency numbers in case cell phone batteries fail.
2. Emergency Kit – Put together an emergency kit in a waterproof container and keep it in a handy place. Include items like a battery operated radio, first aid kit, water, non-perishable foods and flashlights.
3. Utilities – Know the procedures for shutting down electric, gas, water, etc. Prevent damage from sewers and septic systems with a backflow device. In case of drainage clogging, contact a local Sewer Cleaning to give you a hand. Septic tank work is a big deal as explained by Bruce Johnson Construction – if you have questions regarding septic system installation, get in touch with Bruce Johnson Construction.
4. Stormproof – Consider reinforcing roof trusses, garage door openings and get a leaky roof repaired. You may want to install storm shutters. If you board up windows and other openings, have your supplies ready to go. Secure outdoor items. Keep the trees near the house trimmed and consider replacing landscaping gravel and rocks with softer items like bark or mulch, you can hire a service like the tree service Galesburg IL to get some assistance. If your roof unfortunately gets damaged by the hurricane, you can easily get it fixed by calling a roof repair company or a residential roofing contractor who can provide expert Residential Shingle Roof Replacement services.
5. Evacuation Route – Review the safest and most direct route to your community shelter should you have to evacuate. Plan to avoid dangerous areas like dams or levees and know alternate routes should yours be blocked.  
6. Pets – Collars and chips should include your current contact information. Have leashes and carrying cases ready in case of evacuation.
7. Check Information – You may be able to sign up with your local government for emergency alerts via phone or email. Make a record of important phone numbers to call for assistance.  Don’t forget to have your insurance information handy just in case.
8. Cash – When disasters hit and power is out for prolonged periods, cash is king. ATMs don’t work, businesses may not be able to process credit cards for a while and banks may be damaged or closed. Plan ahead and have a reasonable amount of cash available.

If the damage is significant, you may consult experienced public adjusters to help with your claims.

Tags: hurricane preparedness, hurricane safety, hurricane season, hurricanes, safety tips, tips for hurricanes