Hurricanes are a regular occurrence along the coastlines, but hail, flooding, and storms are a risk for most of us, regardless of where we call home. Storm damage restoration in the aftermath always goes faster when you protect your home and family by preparing in advance.
Severe Weather Preparedness
Making sure you are ready for anything is the best preparation for severe weather or hurricane season. Use this checklist to ensure you can get through the next storm season and quickly return to regular life should the worst happen.
What to Put in a Survival Kit
Water, power, and other utilities often go out for days after a severe storm or hurricane. A survival kit that can keep your family supplied with the necessities will make you less reliant on emergency services. Here's what to include in your severe weather survival kit.
● Food and Water (enough to last a few days)
● Flashlight and extra batteries
● Camp Lights
● Portable solar panel or generator for charging electronic devices
● Cash
● Medications (refresh regularly)
● Power banks
● Home first aid kit
● Water filters
● A portable weather radio with crank power and a list of emergency stations
● Tissues, toilet paper, paper towels
● Books and games for the kids
You never know where you might be when an emergency situation develops, so have a first aid kit in multiple areas where you are likely to be, such as at the office or in the car.
Practice and Prepare
Practice and prepare for an emergency. If you have kids, it will be a lot easier on you and your spouse if your children know what to do during a disaster situation. They will be able to help you get through the crisis and will have a better understanding of the possible dangers left in the wake of the storm.
Family members should also be a part of storm preparation, so they know where everything is and how to use it. It's also a good idea if everyone receives first aid training and knows how to use the equipment in your first aid kit.
Designate an area inside your house as the place to shelter so everyone knows where to go. You should also designate somewhere outside the home where everyone can gather safely during a house fire.
Ready Your Home
Storm shutters and stormproof windows can help prevent a lot of storm damage to your windows and inside your home. If you don't have them, board them up with whatever you have available to protect your windows against flying debris and hail.
Large trees and their heavy limbs and branches become a storm damage hazard during high winds. Keep your trees trimmed and regularly check for damaged branches that could fall during strong winds. Limbs overhanging your property are your greatest risk.
Store your outdoor furniture out of the wind. Strong winds, especially hurricane force winds, will turn even the heaviest tables and chairs into airborne weapons that can damage your home and your neighbor's property.
Unplug Your Appliances
Lightning bolts can cause severe electrical damage to your appliances, even if they are not on. A few million volts of direct electric current will easily jump the electrical contacts to burn out delicate electronics in TVs and computers and fry the insides of your refrigerator.
The only way to isolate your electronic equipment is to pull the plugs out from the wall. Don't forget to reconnect your refrigerator once the danger has passed.
If you have advance notice that a storm or hurricane is coming, turning your fridge and freezer temps down to their lowest settings can help keep your food fresh for longer if you have to go a few days without electricity.
What to Do When Severe Weather Strikes
When bad weather strikes, the best way to get through it safely is to stay inside or make your way to the evacuation center if emergency authorities tell you to do so. Use the evacuation routes they recommend.
If you haven't received any evacuation instructions, use the smallest, lowest room in the house for shelter. Closets and hallways are perfect, but make sure you are clear of any windows and doors. Wait until the storm has passed before venturing out, which includes waiting out the surge that comes after the eye of the storm.
You will want to stay in touch with friends and family in the area to check their safety. Portable power banks can help keep your phones charged but ration how much you use your phone so it doesn't run out of juice. It could be days before power is restored, and you will need them to monitor the Weather and Civil Service Bulletins.
Make sure your car is ready for storm or hurricane season. Regular servicing and fluid top-ups will ensure you have a reliable vehicle when you need it. Don't wait for the gas tank to show empty before filling. A good rule of thumb is to refill the tank when it registers half full.
This way, you will always have a few hundred kilometers in the tank. Gas stations can get very busy before and after a disaster. A full tank means you can avoid the queues and can drive some distance should the local gas stations run low.
After the Storm
You've managed to make it through the storm relatively unscathed, but the danger has not yet passed. High-speed winds, rain, flooding, and hail will have created a war zone outside. You should only venture out when you are positive the storm is spent, or authorities have broadcast the all-clear.
Contaminated flood waters, downed power lines, ruptured gas lines, and structural damage can pose deadly hazards, especially to children. Ensure they stay close or keep them inside until you know your immediate area is safe.
Report hazards like ruptured gas lines and downed power lines to the authorities and use the water you have stored rather than out of the tap in case the municipal water supply is contaminated.
Call Your Storm Damage Restoration Services
Most disaster situations are quick and brutal, but the damage they leave can take weeks of recovery. Storm damage restoration services are a lifeline during these traumatic situations. They can help restore your home to its pre-disaster condition, assist with insurance claims, and restore your most precious possessions. Check out Best Option Restoration today to find out how you can get through disaster recovery and back to normal life with minimal disruptions.
Storm Damage with Best Option Restoration
If you’re experiencing storm damage in Denver, Arvada, Thornton, Broomfield, Boulder, or the surrounding areas, Best Option Restoration can help you. We are aware that storm damage can leave you feeling overwhelmed, and our goal is to instill peace of mind throughout the project and restore your property in the most efficient way possible. We have many years of experience in restoration reconstruction and all our general contractors are licensed and insured. If your property has been damaged due to water, fire, or mold we will give you the personalized service and expert marksmanship needed to get the job done right. To learn more about our services, call us at (720) 620-3272 or contact us online to receive an estimate on your project.
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