A hurricane can be scary and unpredictable. While a lot of what happens during a natural disaster is determined by mother nature, you can control how you prepare beforehand and deal with the damage afterward. Here are a few safety and maintenance tips to help limit water, wind and fire damage to your home in Pensacola, FL.
Create a Plan:
Communicate with your household about what to do if a hurricane strikes. Decide where to take shelter, a meeting place and the location of the emergency kit. Phone service can be unreliable during a major storm.
Emergency Kit:
Create a kit that will get every person in your home through at least three days. Pack one gallon of water for each person per day, three days’ worth of food, whistle, first aid supplies, local maps, flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries and so on. For a full list, go to the Department of Homeland Security.
Flood Insurance:
Make sure your home is insured before a hurricane strikes. You can also record all of your assets via video or photos. It will help when you’re dealing with your insurance company after the storm.
Evacuation Routes:
Learn the best evacuation routes through your city or town. You may be asked to leave without much notice if the hurricane is moving quickly.
Prepare Yard:
A great way to limit damage is to take some time to prepare your outdoor space. Prune trees in your yard even if the branches seem stable. High winds can sweep them into your home, breaking windows and creating a dangerous situation. Move outdoor furniture and other garden items indoors to keep them damage-free.
During a Hurricane:
If you live in an area that does not need to be evacuated, stay in your home and find a safe place to wait out the storm. A room without windows on the lowest level of your home that will not flood is best. Bring your emergency kit and anything else you want during the storm. A mattress, entertainment and important documents are a few ideas. Consider turning off electricity and water supply in your home if flooding or other damage is predicted to occur.
Stay Informed:
Listen to the battery-powered radio in your emergency kit for the most up to date information in your area. In a power outage, this is the most reliable way to find out how the storm is progressing.
After a Hurricane:
Stay indoors until you receive an all-clear notice from the authorities in your area. Once you are safe to go outdoors, watch out for unstable branches, down power lines or other debris. Never drive through large puddles that may have sinkholes hidden beneath. Even if a structure looks unharmed, water or electrical damage could still be present. Take your time restoring your home and always work in groups.
Extreme harm can occur from a natural disaster. We hope these tips help to limit water, wind, and fire damage to your Pensacola home. If you experience a major storm and need help getting your life back to normal, ServiceMaster Restoration can help. Contact us at 888-569-1560 day or night. We respond 24/7 to limit the severity of your loss.
Photo Credit: © Eti Swinford | Dreamstime.com
