Prepare for the Worst, Hope for the Best
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Preparing Your Home, Automobile, and Business

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.

Plastic storage containers and a label maker should become your best friend! You can place items in plastic containers and label each container for easy identification.

Use this printable checklist for preparing your home and automobile:

Use this printable business emergency plan:

• 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.
• Have flashlights and a fresh supply of batteries (use a label maker and place the date you put new batteries in 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
  • Charge up your cell phone (also a good idea to have a soar powered charger).
  • 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? We recommend purchasing an external hard drive (portable) or using onine backup service  if possible. We 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)- We recommend that you make copies of all valuable photos or place on online backup service.
  • 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.
  • Be prepared to open trap door to attic of house (hurricanes, severe flooding).
  • 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.
  • We 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 necessary (i.e. dead trees).
  • 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 and/or storm shutters" for your windows-might be expensive, but may be worth it!!
  • If possible, consider purchasing permanent storm shutters (makes getting ready and out a lot easier!!)
     

Do you have a "disasters communication plan" for your home and business?  Check out this Verizon video:

 

 

 

Check out this video from the Wall Street Journal (online) from August 2011.  Really good information about preparinng your business for the possibility of a natural disaster: