A hurricane certainly causes chaos as it storms through, but its stoppage does not mean you and your family members are necessarily safe. The storm might have passed, but there are still a few things you have to keep in mind. So, what should you do?
- Don’t rush. Remain cautious and alert, and wait as long as you can before traveling.
- Avoid touching damaged or loose power lines and if you think there is any danger, immediately contact the fire department or police.
- Do not touch electric wires or appliances that are wet.
- If you are traveling to your home from an evacuation shelter, walk or drive carefully as the storm might have damaged road infrastructure.
- To help discourage vandalism and additional weather damage, board up any damaged windows. Make arrangements for temporary repairs that are both reasonable and cost-effective.
- Keep an eye out for any gas lines that were damaged or destroyed during the storm. If you suspect a gas leak, promptly leave the area until the utility provider declares it safe.
- If you have kids at home, make sure to keep them away from any area that may now be unsafe due to the storm.
- If you don’t have power at home, throw away perishable food and drinks.
- Take pictures of your home if it is damaged permanently so that you can present it to your insurance company.
- If you believe your house is hazardous as a result of storm damage, call your insurance provider to explore temporary housing options.
- Stay alert. Keep a close eye on the foreseeable future.
It’s tempting to immediately go out after the hurricane has passed to inspect the damage it has done. However, you have to take precautions. If you still need additional information about hurricane preparation, you can call us at 877-237-2337.
