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Preparing Your Home

Most of the following information was written in preparation for hurricanes; however, I found it very valuable for preparation for any weather-related emergency.

Probably one of the most important things to do prior to any storm is to try to remove as much clutter from your home as possible. If you are able to keep your home neat and organized, you will find that this will be extremely helpful with cleanup after a storm. Walk around your home and see which items you can discard. Also make note of where important items can be found - your grandmother's china, your diplomas, your child's artwork done at school, etc. I found that plastic storage containers and a label maker are a girl's best friend! You can place items in plastic containers and label each container for easy identification.

The following information is in the form of a checklist which you can print:

• You should know how and when to turn of gas, water, electricity, if necessary to do so.
• Keep the phone numbers for your utilities, telephone, and cable companies in a safe place, or
bring with you if you evacuate.
• Learn how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Check batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every 6 months.
• Know where your supply of fresh batteries and flashlights are.
  • Check them to make certain they work (I use a label maker and place the date I put new batteries directly on the flashlights).

Before a Storm Hits :

• Before power is lost- do the following:
  • Listen to weather reports on a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio or on TV (click here for station listings and coverage).
  • Charge up your cell phone (also a good idea to have a second battery).
  • Get one of those "old-fashion Princess" land-line (corded) phones- cordless and cell phones may not work during or after a storm.
  • Place A/C setting to a cooler setting (during hot weather).
  • If power is lost, turn off all major appliances to reduce power "surge" when electricity is restored.
  • Avoid all open flames as a source of light.
• Stay away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
• Close all windows and doors tightly.
• Clean and scrub tub, all sinks with regular bleach, if necessary, fill tub and sinks with clean water right before the storm hits.
• Charge camcorder and have it ready for use.
• At closest threat of storm, set freezer and refrigerator to highest setting; place water jugs filled with water inside (this will keep food colder longer).
• Cover furniture, stereo, with plastic covering. Unplug TV, computer, stereo, etc.
• Do you have backup for your computer? I recommend purchasing an external hard drive (portable) if possible. I also recommend that you place all your important software in sealable plastic storage containers.
• Place photo albums, computer software and disks, other valuables in plastic storage containers and place on upper shelves in closets (or on second floor of residence, if available)- I recommend that you make copies of all valuable photos onto CDs. Also make copies of favorite music onto CDs. I also recommend that you purchase CD holders (they look like briefcases) some which can hold up to 200 CDs. If necessary, you can place CDs/DVDs in them and take them with you and not lose any of your favorite music, movies, or photos!!!
• In case of storm, stay in interior room which has no windows. Even if there is calm, this may be the eye of the storm (hurricanes). STAY PUT!!! Do not go outside- more winds can come unexpected in 30 minutes or less.
• Open trap door to attic of house (hurricanes).
• If you do not plan to evacuate, place an ax in attic (in case water rises that high and you need to get out by way of attic or roof- many people had to use axes during Hurricane Katrina (2005) to get out of their homes!!!)
• Also have a can of spray paint in case you need to write a message on your house or roof.
• Place old towels at bottom of doors.
• If storm is a category 3 or higher (hurricanes), consider putting all mementos and other valuables in plastic bags and place on upper shelves of closet or on second floor.
• If storm is a category 3 or higher (hurricanes), place all clothes in garbage bags.
• If you have a large thermos or aluminum decanter fill with boiling water- can use if needed for washing, drinks. etc.
• Stay off the telephone during the actual storm.
• I highly recommend you clean up house/apartment and get rid of trash before the storm hits (you'll have less to clean up afterwards).

Outside (Before Storm) :

• Have trees trimmed or even cut down if possible.
• Have lawn mowed and outside landscaping neat.
• Remove all outdoor objects that can become mobile in case of severe winds.
• Check loose tiles on roof.
• Secure any outside items such as shed, trailers, boats, etc.- consider purchasing anchor tie downs
• Remove outside antennas.
• Purchase marine plywood if necessary- 5/8" or 3/4" thickness to protect windows. This should be done at the beginning of hurricane season!!
• You can fasten plywood over windows with the use of plywood clips. - MASKING TAPE DOESN"T WORK!!!!!
• If you have the money, consider buying "hurricane glass" for your windows- expensive, but may be worth it!!
• If possible, consider purchasing permanent storm shutters (makes getting ready and out a lot easier!!)

Inside (After Storm) :

• After the storm, enter your home with caution.
• Beware of snakes, insects and animals that may have gotten in your home after the storm.
• Open windows and doors to ventilate your home.
• Check refrigerated foods for storage (when it doubt- throw it out!!!)
• Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents for insurance claims
• Use telephone for emergency calls only.
• If you are out of town returning, buy all your cleaning supplies, water, batteries somewhere else and bring home with you.

Outside (After Storm) :

• If you evacuate and return, stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
• Inspect outside of your house for roof, and other damage.
• If trees on your property fall on an insured structure, your insurance company should cover the damage.
• If trees fall in your yard or on a non-insured structure, insurance company may not cover damage. BE PATIENT!! Do not remove trees immediately!! Wait to see if FEMA or local government will pay to have trees removed!
• Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.

Supplies to Have on Hand at Home :

• Disaster Supplies Kit - You can make your own kit. You can place smaller containers in a larger plastic container.
  • I recommend that if you have an extra rolling luggage that you don't use, perhaps you could use this as well.
  • One container can have your important documents, battery-operated radio or television, flashlights with extra batteries, and a first-aid kit.
  • Bring your credit cards with you. Make sure that you pay down 1-2 cards, and you can use these cards exclusively- easier to keep an accurate record of what you purchased.
  • Insurance papers and videotape or pictures of possessions. Check home or renter´s insurance policy yearly to decide if you need more coverage. Should have flood insurance since home/renter's insurance DOES NOT COVER FLOOD DAMAGE. Rule of thumb- if water comes from above- home/renter's insurance might cover this. If water comes from below (as in the case of hurricanes and storm surges)- you need flood insurance to cover this!!! There is usually a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance goes into effect. I would purchase flood insurance NO LATER THAN two months before the beginning of storm season. if possible. Insurance policy should be REPLACEMENT VALUE POLICY instead of CASH VALUE POLICY. You may want to give a copy of all important papers to a family member outside of the storm path!!
  • Pack valuables and important papers (birth certificates, social security cards, checkbooks, credit cards, papers dealing with your residence, etc.)
  • Do you have an inventory of the contents of your home? You should have one prepared at all times. Click here for more information on how to prepare a home inventory from the Insurance Information Institute. Take it from me- it was the best thing I did prior to Hurricane Katrina (2005). It made the insurance claims process so much easier. It can also be helpful when you are completing your taxes concerning casualty losses.
    
    
  • You can have another container with non-perishable food and water. You should have enough food and water for at least three days. You might need to include medications and items for infants (e.g. diapers, formula).
  • You can take it with you if you need to evacuate at a moment's notice.
  • Don't forget manual can opener! Some experts state enough food for 3-7 days, but after "Katrina", you know that might not be enough.
  • Also, try not to include foods that can make you too thirsty (very salty or sugary foods)
  • You should have 1 gallon of unopened bottled water per person per day. Try to have 2 weeks of water for each person. You can use plastic 2 liter soda bottles, cleaned and sanitized, and use tap water as well.
  • Don't forget toiletries, extra clothing, cash, a whistle, and matches, and pet supplies.
  • Also prepare a kit for work and your car as well.
  • Store the kit in a cool, dark, place. Replace the food every 6 months. A good idea is to write the date on all the containers so you will know when to replace.
  • Update your kit yearly as needs change.

Other items you may want to have at home (especially in preparation for hurricanes) :

• Purchase ice in bags or even cheaper, save all empty water jugs or soda plastic bottles during months of May and June so that you can use them to freeze water and place in refrigerator and freezer to keep food cold in case of a power shortage. Prior to the actual storm, freeze as many as possible and place as many as possible in refrigerator and freezer.
• If you can get sandbags this is helpful. Place inside of each door which leads to the outside just before storm hits.
• Save at least five empty water bottles to use to fill with tap water. (Not for freezing as in first item).
• Two gallons of regular (unscented) chlorine bleach. Eight drops per gallon of water will purify water. (Need eye dropper)
• Concentrated pine cleaner.
• 3 flashlights- place new batteries in them
• Batteries: AA, Cs, Ds, 6-volt for battery-operated lantern
• Plastic bags for storage. Also buy heavy-duty garbage bags.
• Large heavy-duty plastic furniture bags or plastic sheets to cover furniture.
• Tarpaulin and/or visqueen.
• As much cash that you can get. Remember, ATMs, banks may not be operational
during an actual hurricane!!! Gas prices are high- you'll need more money this year!
• Essential medicine, baby supplies etc.- purchase extra and remember to pack and bring with you.
• Pet food (Dry pet food is preferable). Also pet medicine.
• Paper plates, plastic utensils and napkins.
• Battery-operated radio and TV.
• Pack water-proof clothes and shoes in carry-on bag: also umbrella, other clothes and accessories.
• See if you can purchase a lightweight life vest, or inflatable boat, if possible (optional)
• Old newspapers (place some in pet's kennel). Also- have a transportable pet kennel. Newspapers may be needed for cleanup after the storm.
• Old towels may be needed for cleanup after the storm.
• Baking soda, Damp Rid®, TSP or other floor cleaner for cleanup after the storm.
• Film, extra camera battery, camera (digital camera)
• Instant, disposable camera may also be a good idea
• Goggles, rubber gloves, masks- for cleanup after the storm
• Mosquito repellent
• Citronella candles to be used outdoors only.
• Large plastic storage containers to place valuables in. Place on upper shelf in closet.
• Hurricane tracking map
• Cleaning supplies
• First Aid kit, antiseptics
• Heavy-duty fan (in case of flooding or water in house)
• Extra pair of glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, etc.
• Two pillows and one blanket
• Sleeping bag
• Need access to all-news radio station to find out about closed roads. If you have access to TV- check The Weather Channel, local news, etc.
• Map and route to hotel or wherever you will be staying (please note- the experts say you need to leave town if slow-moving Category 3 or greater- however if you choose to stay- floors 3-8 in the hotel may be the safest)
• Cell phone and batteries and charger
• Phone number of family contact person outside of hurricane area
• Toys, games for the children (homework, study materials for students)
• Yellow pages telephone book or phone book with important numbers
• An all-weather radio is a good idea (check out www.weatherradiostore.com) - get one that is both a radio and has a weather alert feature.
• All other items listed under preparing your automobile section
• Clean off upper shelves of closets at beginning of hurricane season. If necessary, use this space to place valuables. Or if you live or have a second floor or higher, consider placing valuables there.

Buy extra large plastic storage containers to store valuables and important papers.

Returning Home :

• Enter your home carefully.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
• Inspect outside of your house for roof, trees, and other damage.
• Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded or impassable roads and washed-out bridges.
• If there is damage to your property, take photos immediately. The more photos the better - take from every angle, if possible. Do not remove items from your home or make repairs prior to taking the photos, if at all possible. I recommend a digital camera or even a disposable camera for photo taking.