Hurricane Preparadeness
Preparation is key to surviving hurricane season which runs from June 1 – November 30th. Below are a few ways to to ensure your family is protected.
Before The Storm
- Inspect your roof for damage/missing shingles
- Install a generator
- Clean all gutters/downspouts and ditches
- Install hurricane shutters
- Place valuables in a water tight container on the highest level of your home
- Caulk windows and doors
- Trim trees and remove dead limbs
- Find a storage area for all unsecured, outdoor furniture
- Video all contents of your home annually and keep that recording in a safe place
- Identify a safe room, preferably one without windows for weathering a storm
- Keep a ready kit in your car in case an evacuation is ordered at the last minute.
Know Where To Go
Decide on a safe/familiar place where your family can go for protection or to reunite. Make sure the location is accessible for family members with disabilities and animal friendly if you have service animals or pets. Be prepared to evacuate if ordered and know the route(s) available for the direction you want to travel.
Keep the contact information for your local emergency management agency handy for updates on the status of matters before, during and after a storm. Click here for links to community resources in our area, as well as state and federal resources.
Supply Kits
If you plan to weather a storm preparation is the key to being as comfortable as possible until the inclement weather passes. You should prepare under the assumption that there will be no electricity for a week or more. Here are a few helpful items that may come in useful:
- Medications (a two week supply is ideal)
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Bottled water
- Non perishable foods (peanut butter, protein bars, cereal, bread)
- Axe in the roof of the house
- Sandbags/Tarps
- Generator/gas in all vehicles and extra for ATVs
- First Aid Supplies
- Weather radio
- Cash
- Critical Documents/Information (insurance information is a must)
- Tools for clean up and debris removal
- Disposable items (paper plates, garbage bags, utensils, diapers/wipes)
- Comfort items to pass the time. This is especially important if there are young children involved. Books/magazines/board games and cards are great ideas.
Develop a Communication Plan
Work with family members to proactively develop a communication plan. There are a ton of free messaging apps such as Zello, Slack, GoToMeeting and WhatsApp. No matter which way your family decides to communicate, make sure everyone is on the same page.
At Gulf South Property Management we are here for you before, during and after the storm. Give us a call today to see how we can assist your neighborhood in the event of a hurricane. Having the right property management team in place during hurricane season is imperative for a speedy recovery.
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