Before and After the Storm, What To Do

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

With hurricane season here, it's very smart to prepare your home and yourself and loved ones ahead of time in order to minimize any damage that you might incur. From gathering the correct hurricane supplies, to evaluating your home insurance policies so you know how they cover storm damage, we've got a guide here to help you navigate what to do both before a storm hits…and after the storm has gone and went.

While it's never good to obsessively worry about the absolute worst happening, it's always good to be prepared ahead of time so if your area is hit by a hurricane, you know that you already have a plan in place.

Make Sure You Have The Correct Hurricane Supplies

As you're preparing for a hurricane, keep this list of supplies handy that way you have everything you need before the first weatherman even breaks the bad news that a storm is headed your way. This is especially helpful just in case you need to evacuate. Waiting until the last minute may only have you waiting in long lines with other panicked neighbors…only to find out that the store is sold out of what you need.

1. Have hurricane kits full of your supplies and make sure they're in a suitcase or even a plastic tub.
2. These kits should have:

• First aid kit
• 3- day supply of non-perishable food
• Batteries & flashlights
• Plenty of water gallons for each person
• Clothing
• Blankets
• Maps of your area
• Whistle
• Can opener (manual) for food
• Dust mask
• Sleeping bags

You may also want additional items, like contact lens solutions, extra contacts, glasses, prescription medications or formula or baby food, as well as sanitary items like tampons, etc.

Being prepared is never foolish or over-the top: it's smart.

Preparing For A Hurricane: Preventative Measures

First things, first: do you live in a hurricane evacuation area?

If you don't know the answer to that question, you need to find out. Your local government will be able to tell you if you are and also, what their evacuation plans are. Knowing this ahead of time will prevent you from panicking when and if you need to actually evacuate.

Bonus tip: if you are in a high rise or mobile home, have a plan to evacuate even if you're not in an area that is defined as an evacuation zone.

The next big one? Check your insurance coverage so you know how they handle hurricane damage to homes.

 What should you look for or have?

• Whether you're renting or you own, be sure that your home or rental insurance covers for flooding
• Know your policy inside and out, so you know what to expect in case your home ends up very damaged or destroyed
• Do a review of your home: is your roof in good shape? What about your home's structure? Do you have anything in your yard that could be a hazard in a storm?

After The Storm: Hurricane Damage To Homes

If your home is damaged by a hurricane, here are some tips to handling this stressful event:

1. Check your home before entering with caution and wear protective gear from goggles to work gloves and a mask in case there are any issues with mold, asbestos, etc.
2. If you smell gas or there is a downed powerline near your house, don't enter!
3. Call your insurance company once your home is safe to enter so an adjuster can evaluate the situation.
4. Do call a reputable storm damage cleanup company to help you get through this tragedy. Do not try to manage this on your own. The reality is you are not an expert and by trying to take a project on like that by yourself, you will end up frustrated. Research ahead of time to discover a company you can trust.

The bottom line is Mother Nature is not predictable, and while hurricanes and storms are very stressful, with common sense, a plan and the help of a reputable, honest, professional, and patient company, SERVPRO of Des Moines NW is the one you should call!