Are you ready for Dorian? (the powerful category 4 hurricane which is expected to impact the east coast). Connie Phillips Insurance wants to make sure you are prepared and protected. We have formulated a list of tips and safety precautions you should follow to remain safe during a hurricane. The common thread among all major hurricane disasters is the lack of hurricane education and preparedness. Becoming aware of your vulnerability and what actions you should take can help reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.
What should you do before the hurricane?
- Have a disaster plan.
- Board up windows.
- Bring in outdoor objects that could blow away.
- Know where all the evacuation routes are.
- Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water.
- Have enough food and water for at least 3 days.
- Have a weather radio handy with plenty of batteries, so you can listen to storm advisories.
- Have some cash handy. Following a hurricane, banks and ATM’s may be temporarily closed.
During a hurricane:
- Stay away from low-lying and flood prone areas.
- Always stay indoors during a hurricane, because strong winds will blow things around.
- Leave mobile homes and to go to a shelter / If your home isn’t on higher ground, go to a shelter.
- If emergency managers say to evacuate, then do so immediately.
After a hurricane:
- Stay indoors until it is safe to come out.
- Check for injured or trapped people, without putting yourself in danger.
- Watch out for flooding which can happen after a hurricane.
- Do not attempt to drive in flooding water.
- Stay away from standing water. It may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Don’t drink tap water until officials say it’s safe to do so.
With Hurricane Dorian approaching, we at Connie Phillips Insurance just wanted to send along our best wishes for everyone’s safety. Our thoughts are with everyone in the line of the storm. We hope you and your families are safe and taking all the precautions you can.