Preparation and timing are the most useful tools to help you and your family or your business minimize the impact to the storm. There are 5 hurricane categories.
Category 1
74-95 mph wind; There are some damage of fallen trees, flooding and power outage for days to weeks.
Category 2
96-110 mph wind There can be extensive damage of roof damage, fallen trees flooding and power outages for days to weeks.
Category 3
111-129 mph wind; There are Devastating damage of home damage, falling trees flooding, and power outage for days to weeks.
Category 4
130 to 156 mph wind; There are catastrophic damage of severe home damage trees fallen down to power outages for weeks to months.
Category 5
156 mph wind There are catastrophic damage of high percentage home will be destroyed , fallen trees and power outages for possibly months.
Preparation
- Listen to the Weather reports and Local Emergency Management Agency
- Board up windows with storm shutters or ply board
- Cut weak branches and trees that could fall on your house
- Secure patio furniture and outdoor items
- Evacuation route planned
- First Aid Kit and Medicine
- Cars filled with fuel
- Batteries and Flashlights
- Non perishable foods, drinking water and pet foods
- Unplug all electronics and move them as high as possible Turn off breakers if advised
- Charge your phones
- Bring furniture and valuables to a high area
- Review your Insurance policy-Please buy Flood Insurance
- Tools needed for emergency home repairs
- Make sure exterior doors are hurricane proof by dead bolts’ or have at least three hinges
- Seal outside wall openings with a high quality urethane-based caulk to prevent water penetration
- Business-keep contact information for employees suppliers and vendors. Review your business policies
During the Storm
- Stay indoors and away from windows and glass
- Never operate a generator in your home unless a transfer switch has been installed
- Listen for warning sirens and go to the bathroom or basement with no windows
- Don not leave your house until the hurricane has passed
After the Storm
- Do not use electrical equipment that has been submerged in water
- Stay away from downed power lines
- Do not let your children play in the flooded streets
- Do not drive around in flooded area for you could flood out
- If your home has been flooded or damaged immediately call your insurance company and take pictures
- If your home has been flooded immediately move out until your home can be accessed or repaired
