The Florida hurricane season is well underway, and the peak of the season is right around the corner. August, September, and October are typically when we see the most storms—in fact, last year, one-third of the named storms for the entire season occurred in the month of September! With the likelihood of more storms on the horizon, it’s important to stay aware and stay safe. Read on for some important hurricane safety tips.
1. Have an emergency plan—and practice it!
You probably already know which road you’ll take and where you’ll go if you have to evacuate, but do you know how to shut off your water and gas main? And when was the last time you practiced your family’s emergency plan?
Take time to run through your family’s emergency plan, and consider different scenarios. What will you do if you’re at work? What if the main road you always take is blocked? Hurricanes and disasters are unpredictable, so it’s important to prepare for anything.
2. Make sure your emergency “go bag” is stocked.
An emergency survival kit should contain:
- A three-day supply of food and water for each person, including pets.
- A flashlight, battery- or hand-powered radio, and extra batteries
- A first aid kit, as well as any necessary medications
- Copies of important documents, including identification, proof of address, and insurance policy information
- And so much more!
Take a moment to inventory your emergency kit, making sure all food and water are fresh in case you need it!
3. Never try to navigate through floodwaters.
Floodwater may look harmless, but it is incredibly dangerous. Six inches of fast-moving floodwater is all it takes to knock you off your feet, and two feet of floodwater can make a car float! Floodwater is often contaminated by bacteria and may be hiding dangerous debris or animals. Stay out of the water whenever possible, and avoid low places that can quickly flood without warning.
4. Stay away from the beach.
Although it might be tempting to watch the storm roll in, conditions can change in the blink of an eye. Stay away from the beach, and head for shore immediately if you’re out on the water.
5. Keep safety in mind even after the storm has passed.
Once the storm is over, it’s time to assess any damage and start the clean-up. Examine your home for signs of damage, especially around doors, windows, and staircases. Throw out any food or water that may have been contaminated, even if it was in the fridge or freezer. Be mindful of dangerous debris—such as downed power lines, glass, or sharp metal—and be aware of the risk of secondary disasters, such as landslides or flooding.
At No 1 Home Roofing, we’re proud to be a family-owned and operated roofing company in Palm Harbor, Florida. Our goal is to provide peace of mind to all of our clients, giving them the information and knowledge to make the right roofing decisions for their needs. If your roof has been damaged by a hurricane, we can help. Call (727) 477-9995 for a free estimate today!