Thank you to Fulcrum Properties Group for sharing this great information with our readers. A version of this post appeared on their blog.
Hurricane Florence as of 9/12/18. Imagery via Capital Weather Gang.
Hurricane Florence is expected to make landfall Thursday night as a Category 4 storm. Our area is expected to see high winds and a lot of rain. We’ve already seen much more rain this year than normal, which means the ground is saturated. Heavy rain from this storm will not have many places to go, creating a high risk for flooding. Wet ground also increases the chances of trees falling, creating power outages and damaging buildings and cars. Take time now to prepare your home and family for the impacts of the storm.
Here are a few checklists to help you out:
Start with Your House:
Clear your gutters and drains to ensure excess amounts of water have somewhere to go.
Secure outdoor furniture and kids’ play equipment. In high winds, these objects can
become dangerous projectiles.
If the lower levels of your home are prone to flooding, take steps now to protect
valuables, or to set up barriers with sandbags to minimize damage.
Garage doors are one of the weakest spots for your home when it comes to high winds. If
you have a garage door, make sure it is properly braced.
If you have a backup generator and sump pump, make sure they are in proper working
order. If you don’t own either and your home is susceptible to power outages or flooding,
consider investing in these items.
Check that your fire extinguisher is accessible.
Call your insurance company to confirm the extent of your coverage.
Stock Up on Supplies:
Bottled water
Batteries
Medications that you or your family member need
Non-perishable food
Pet food if you have pets
Dry Ice and a cooler for keeping perishable foods from spoiling if there is a power outage
Toiletries and hygiene products
Duct Tape – it’s one of the handiest tools in the kit!
If There Is A Power Outage:
Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risks.
Avoid opening the fridge or freezer. A full freezer will keep the temperature for
approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. The
refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened.
Put cell phones on low power mode to save their battery life.
Don’t use generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills indoors. Carbon monoxide dangers
are very real.
Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with
momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage.
Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled who may need additional
assistance.
After the Storm:
Look at your roof to see if any shingles have blown off or been damaged.
In the event you do get water in your home, clean it up and get the area dry within a few
days. If an area remains wet for more than about two days, you run the risk of mold
growth.
Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to
do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or
downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for
assistance.
Do not drive through a flooded roadway.
Resources:
Fulcrum Properties Group or your trusted real estate agent. Rea estate professionals know many great service providers who can help you
with anything in your home.
National Hurricane Center Resource List
FEMA Emergency Supply Kit List
Ready.DC.gov
Capital Weather Gang