Hurricane season is coming are you ready? The official start to the hurricane season is June 1st and this year is calling for an active season. 2020's hurricane season had an incredible 30 named storms, 13 hurricanes and six hurricanes that reached Category 3 status or stronger.
Colorado State University (CSU) hurricane researchers are predicting another above-average hurricane season for 2021. With the start of the hurricane season just around the corning it is important to start preparing now.
Helpful Tips for Hurricane Preparedness
When the unexpected strikes, will you be ready? By knowing what actions to take before, during and after a hurricane, you can reduce the chances of severe harm to your home, or worse, to you and your family. For the supplies and advice you’ll need to protect your home before a hurricane – and to start the cleanup process afterwards – your neighborhood Ace Hardware is here to help. Below are helpful tips to educate and properly prepare for hurricanes and severe, high-wind conditions.
Hurricane Preparation:
· Create an emergency kit: Stock up on essential supplies, including a First Aid kit, battery-powered or crank-powered radio, flashlights and lanterns, fresh batteries, a manual can opener and a three-day supply of drinking water and non-perishable canned food.
· Prepare for flooding: Block entryways with sandbags to prevent floodwaters from coming in. A single layer of sandbags along the door jams on the inside and outside of doors will help to prevent minor flooding and help brace the door during strong winds. Remove all of your valuable belongings and items that will be damaged by water from the basement. If you do not have time, simply elevate these items as much as you can.
· Hurricane shelter: Most communities have designated hurricane shelters, such as schools, churches and municipal buildings. Check with your local community and have 2-3 of your nearest shelters identified and mapped, as you may not be able to access every shelter based on road closing or storm damage. If you have pets, make sure the hurricane shelters you identify are pet-friendly and be sure to also have pet supplies ready.
· Gas up the car: During hurricane season, it’s smart to keep one car’s gas tank near full at all times. Storms can form quickly and if you need to evacuate your city, you want to be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
· Designate a “safe” area in your home: If you remain in your home during the storm, gather the family in a safe place that’s protected from flying debris, such as a basement, hallway or interior room without windows. Do not open windows or go outside to check on the storm conditions, rely on a radio and/or TV for the latest report and safety updates.
· Guard important documents: Secure important documents (insurance policies, birth certificates, etc.) in a safe and readily accessible place. Also, place them in a plastic, zip-top bag to keep them dry.
· Protect your home: Teach family members how to turn off the gas, water and electricity supply to your home. Prepare to cover doors and windows with heavy plastic or plywood panels to protect against flying debris.
· Get ready: Move furniture and other large belongings into the center of the room to protect them. If you are in an area frequently hit by hurricanes, consider having a standby generator at-the-ready. Should the power be down following the hurricane, you can use this to get your electricity started. But remember NEVER to operate a generator indoors, as the engine exhaust contains potentially fatal carbon monoxide. Operate the unit at least 20-feet away from your home with the exhaust pointed away from your home. Also, make sure you have working battery-operated smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Hurricane Recovery:
· Proof of damage: Document any damage with a camera before starting the clean-up process and submit along with any insurance claims. It is also a good idea to do this before the storm comes to make it easier in identifying the damage.
· Be serious about safety: Before entering your home, assess any damage visually from the outside. If there is substantial structural damage, do not enter your home. If you’re not sure or aren’t comfortable making the decision what’s safe and what isn’t, hire a professional inspector or a contractor to make the assessment for you.
· Temporary tarp: If your roof has holes or is missing sections, buy a house tarp that can cover these areas - or the entire roof - to keep your home dry until more permanent repairs can be made.
For More Information or Media Interviews:
If you are interested in additional hurricane-related information and would like to schedule an interview with your local Ace retailer or Ace’s Home Expert, Lou Manfredini, who is available to travel for on-site interviews, please contact: DBC PR+New Media, Jaclyn Gower, (202) 292-4574, ace@dbcpr.com.
Please visit www.acehardware.com for additional weather-related tips.