As history shows, hurricanes, typhoons, and storms have been one of the greatest threats to public safety. It brings chaos to homes, livelihood, and lives of people all over the world. That said, having the fundamental awareness of what to do before, during, and after its onslaught will keep you, your family, and your property safe from destruction. This guide will walk you through the steps you need to take during and after a major storm or a hurricane.
What to do during a storm
These steps do not apply to families who are directed to evacuate their residences. In an evacuation area, authorities will ask residents to leave their homes to stay safe and avoid the worst of the storm..
In the event that you are not directed to evacuate or not compelled to leave your residence because of the storm, here’s what you can do:
- With the help of a portable radio, listen to advisories, updates, and warnings. This will guide you and your decision about whether to leave your home or stay put.
- If possible, keep away from areas that have glass panes. Stay away from windows, glass doors, and skylights. Gather your family in an interior room, a wide closet or the bathroom.
- Unless the weather advisory states that it is okay to leave your residence, it’s best to stay indoors. Even when the news reports that the eye of the storm has passed over the area, the tail or the weather might still bring strong winds and rain.
- When there is a power outage, tell your family members to avoid opening the refrigerator frequently. The cold air trapped inside will keep your food preserved to prevent spoilage.
What to do after a hurricane
Authorities will decide whether you and your family are safe to go outdoors. You can check your outdoor premises for potential damage once you’re allowed to do so.
- If you and your family have evacuated, return home only after the authorities have declared it’s safe.
- Keep away from downed power lines and electric poles, especially those that are near an area of water. Safer still, do not touch anything that has to do with electricity.
- If there are broken windows in your home, board them up to avoid further damage and let a professional handle it to avoid physical injuries.
- There are cases wherein a gas leak happens following a natural disaster. Broken gas lines can cause fires and explosions, so if you smell an awful stench while inside the premises, call a professional to handle the situation at once.
- Stay away from debris and other storm hazards like flooded areas, broken objects, downed trees, and other structures that are damaged due to heavy rains and strong winds.
- Assess your property and evaluate if there is a need for professional services such as ASAP Restoration. These experts will inspect your property for damage on your water lines and electric systems, so they could be fixed to prevent further damage as soon as possible.
- It will also help to quicken your insurance claim if you have photographic evidence of the storm’s damages.
Always remember that safety should be your topmost priority during the event of a natural disaster. Although property damage is costly and can take some time for renovation, nothing more is important than the health of your family members and yourself. Case in point, it’s important to follow mandates to leave the house and proceed to the designated evacuation area. This will save you and your family from harm, before the situation gets worse. Remember, human lives and the community’s safety are priceless and thus, need to be prioritized.
