We are currently in the middle of the hurricane season. Strong winds, torrential rain, and even floods are not an unusual occurrence at this time. Have you given any thought to what your family would do during the storm or if you were told to evacuate your home? Do you have a preparedness plan that your whole family is familiar with?
Private security companies are very familiar with basic safety issues, even during natural disasters. Here is what they have to say about the importance of having a preparedness plan.
What Is A Preparedness Plan?
A preparedness plan is an action you and your family/colleagues will be taking in the event of a disaster. This preparedness plan involves every member of your household or business (if the plan is a preparedness plan for your place of employment). It needs to be evaluated and practiced often until every person involved, from the most junior to the most senior, is fully aware of their role.
What Do Security Companies Say About Securing Your Home In A Storm?
Security companies are very aware of their surroundings and have been trained to spot weaknesses in your security system and home. Here are some things they suggest you do in the event of a hurricane, to assist in keeping your home safe:
Secure Doors And Windows
Doors and windows are the weakest and most vulnerable part of your home. Installing storm shutters that comply with the Florida Code For Hurricane Shutter Installation, and impact-resistant hurricane glass on the windows will go a long way in preventing windows breaking if debris strikes them.
Trimming Trees And Shrubs Before A Storm
Trim all trees and shrubs, especially those very close to your windows, before the storm. Make sure all loose branches and debris are immediately removed from your property.
Preparing Your Swimming Pool For Heavy Rains
Try to empty the pool, lowering the level by about 6 inches. Add extra chlorine, switch the pool pump off and cover the pool with an approved secure pool cover.
Secure All Large Items Before The Storm
If you own a boat or trailer, and it cannot be put into the garage, secure them firmly to the ground. Try to park your car on higher ground if possible, in case you need to evacuate your property.
When Alerted About A Hurricane, Bring All Loose Items And Pets Indoors
Bring all outdoor furniture, grills, garbage bins, toys or bicycles indoors when you receive the hurricane alert. You don’t want to be trying to do this when the storm hits. Remember to bring all your pets indoors early, before signs of the storm, in case they get frightened and run away.
Preparing The Inside Of Your Home For A Hurricane
- Unplug all electrical appliances and shut off the electricity. This will preserve appliances in the event of an electrical surge and possibly prevent someone from being accidentally electrocuted.
- Have a home inventory of all the items in each room, and outdoors, including serial numbers. This can be done as easily as taking snapshots with your smartphone. This will assist you greatly when dealing with your insurance company after the storm, in the event of any damage to your home and household goods inflicted by rain or flying debris.
- Fill the baths with water. You will need fresh water if you are housebound for any length of time and the water supply is cut off.
- Ensure you always have at least 3 days supply of non-perishable foods in the event you are housebound for a few days.
Your Preparedness Plan In The Event You Need To Evacuate Your Home
If you are instructed to evacuate your home, there will not be time to run around seeing to last-minute issues. It is vital that every member of the household knows exactly what they need to grab and where they need to meet in order to evacuate quickly and safely.
- Children need to know their last name, their address and the mobile numbers of their parents in the event that they are separated from their parents at any time.
- Pet carry cases and pet food need to be on hand for a quick exit.
- It is essential to have an emergency bag packed and ready to go.
The emergency bag should contain at least:
- Three days of water supply
- Non-perishable foods like nuts, canned foods, and Granola bars
- A change of clothes and shoes per family member
- Sleeping bags or blankets
- A First Aid Kit
- A flashlight and spare batteries
- A battery-operated radio
- Water purifying tablets
- Duct tape
- Matches
- A can opener
- Plastic bags
The bag needs to be packed in consultation with all household members and should take into account special requirements some family members may need, and valuable documents (placed in watertight plastic packets) that need to be preserved An example of these items are:
- Drivers licenses and passports
- Social Security cards
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Medical records, prescriptions, and vaccination cards
- Title deeds for your properties, car, and home
- All insurance documentation.
- Bank and credit cards
- Wills, Living Wills, and Power of Attorney
- Adoption and citizen papers
- Latest tax return
- Military records
- An external hard drive with precious family photos
At Inter State Security has been servicing clients since 1985. We take your safety very seriously. Contact us for a full security evaluation of your property.
