Preparing before any major storm is key to how well you will recover in its wake. We all instantly stock up on non-perishables, gas up the car and grab cash from the ATM, but here are a few tips you may not have thought of that will make the days following a major storm or hurricane a lot sunnier.
#1: Go find your insurance policy and write your policy number and claims phone number down and keep it on your person. You’d be amazed at how many times people have no idea who to call after a storm damaged their home and property.
#2: Make a Video Inventory BEFORE the storm. If you own a home, make a video inventory TODAY or TOMORROW – Outside, show your roof, doors, windows, deck, any outbuildings, fences, play equipment – even your driveway and sidewalk. An interior video walk-through of your home should cover your major appliances and systems (furnace, air conditioner) and demonstrate at least that they are physically intact and in use. When you’re done with the video, email it to yourself or upload it somewhere to get a time and date stamp. This video can be used to help with any insurance claim issues later.
#3: Back Up Your Computer. You’ve been meaning to do this for a long time anyway, and with a big storm coming, there are many more chances for a power surge to kill your computer. Ideally, you should leave your computer off completely unless you have top-notch surge suppression for your power lines. Trees hit wires, wires hit other wires and next thing you know, it’s like you plugged your USB port directly into a wall outlet. Zap. Remember to keep your backup media somewhere safe and dry.
#4: Do all the Laundry. When the power is out for days on end, there’s plenty of options for food and water. But having clean clothes? That’s tricky. And if the storm does not knock out your power for any significant amount of time, well, is it really so bad to have plenty of clean socks?
#5: Refill all Prescription Medications. Not only could you be stuck in your home or be evacuated from the area, but the pharmacy may be without power for a few days as well. Make sure you have at least a weeks supply of all prescription medications and necessary medical supplies on hand before the storm hits. This single tip could potentially be the difference between life and death
#6: Don’t forget your Pets. If you have pets that live outdoors, or often wander outdoors for days, keep them in or move their cages indoors. Cats, rabbits, and other small domestic animals will be much safer indoors with you and your family. Depending on the animal it may not hurt to get some extra air freshener too.
Thank you to he Bridgeton Emergency Management for many of the above tips. Be safe and feel free to share your storm stories with us!
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