An incoming report of a possible hurricane is always stressful. Here are ways to prepare and help ease anxiety before a storm hits.
- Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
- Monitor your local news and weather reports.
- Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
- Have a battery-powered radio during a power outage.
- Get a NOAA weather radio.
- Stock Emergency Supplies Including:
Bottled Water
Food
Pet Food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio
Flashlight
Matches and/or lighter
Batteries
Dust Masks
Sleeping Bags
Generator
Duct tape
Propane
Garbage bags
Plastic ties
Books/Games/Activities
Tools
Medications
Infant Formula/diapers
Backup battery Non-prescription medications
Manual Can Opener
Cash
First aid kit
- Protect Your Property
Safeguard your home against high winds such as reinforcing or strengthening doors, windows, walls, and roofs.
Bring lightweight objects inside (such as patio furniture and garbage cans).
Anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside, such as gas grills and propane tanks.
Trim or remove trees that are close enough to fall on your home.
Keep your gutters and drains free of debris.
Install a water alarm and sump pump with a backup battery.
Consider elevating the heating system, water heater and electric panel.
Stockpile emergency protective materials like plastic, plywood, sandbags, and sheeting.
Raise electronics off the floor to protect from water damage in the event of interior flooding.
Collect and safeguard critical documents and records
Place any important documents in a waterproof container, such as:
Financial documents
Insurance policies
Medical records
Educational documents
Legal documents
Other types of documents such as birth certificates and passports.
- Prepare to Evacuate
Know your emergency communication plan. This includes contact information for family, school, work, and physicians.
Learn local evacuation routes.
Check with local officials for shelter locations.
- During the Storm
Take shelter in a designated storm shelter or an interior room during high winds.
Stay away from glass windows and doors
Move to higher ground before flooding begins.
Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater.
- After the Storm
If you have evacuated, wait for officials to say it is safe before going back home.
Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and downed wires.
Avoid driving through floodwater
Do not touch floodwaters because they may contain sewage bacteria and chemicals that can make you ill.
Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, garage, tent, camper, etc.
Clean and disinfect anything that got wet
Do not drink tap water until local authorities declare it safe to do so
Fortunately, we do not experience many hurricanes in our area, however the possibility always exists and we need to stay vigilant and prepared in the event one does come our way. If you would like further information on how to protect your home, feel free to call us at 781-289-7445 or visit our website at www.rizzoinsurance.com
Below is some additional information you may be interested in:
Helpful Links
https://hurricanestrong.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/4-28-22-Find-Your-Evacuation-Zone-Final.pdf
https://www.ready.gov/plan
https://www.weather.gov/nwr/