What to do when a hurricane is heading your way!!

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

While there are a number of other dangerous weather situations that can pop up two of the most severe are hurricanes and tropical storms. These are storms that can cause property damage, flooding and if people are not prepared could cause a loss of life.

Both hurricanes and tropical storms originate in tropical areas and are differentiated by severity. Both have heavy winds and rain. However, hurricanes are generally stronger storms with more rain and stronger wind. Regardless of the severity, they both are dangerous and people need to prepare in the event of being in the path of a strong storm.

In the event of hearing that a hurricane or tropical storm is coming to your area, there are a few things to be prepared in order to remain safe. If you find yourself in the path of a major storm the first thing is to make sure you get inside a secure building. Also, securing any doors and windows in advance of the storm may prevent any injury.

BEFORE A HURRICANE:

• Have a disaster plan ready. List SERVPRO Grand Prairie as a contact to assist after the storm has hit, 972-602-1112
• Have a pet plan. Before a storm threatens, contact your veterinarian or local humane society for information on preparing your pets for an emergency.

• Board up windows.
• Bring in outdoor objects that could blow away.
• Make sure you know which county or parish you live in.
• Know where all the evacuation routes are.
• Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Have enough food and water for at least 3 days. 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 a NOAA weather radio handy with plenty of batteries, so you can listen to storm advisories.
• Have some cash handy. Following a hurricane, banks and ATMs may be temporarily closed.
• Make sure your car is filled with gasoline.

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.