With Hurricane Dorian on its way towards us, now is a good time to talk about what practical steps we can all take prior to the storm arrival to better prepare ourselves for any potential storm impact. Here is a list of practical things you can do wot prepare your home and your family.
- Review your home owner insurance. Make sure you have coverage in the event of a storm. Ask specifically about flood and sewer back up coverage. Take some “before” pictures of your property and home, especially areas that might be prone to damage
- If you have one, make sure your sump pump is working
- Get rid of dead branches on trees near your power service line to your home
- Clean out your storm gutters
- Make sure there is adequate drainage around your home for water to flow away from your house
- Move any loose patio furniture, planters, yard fixtures etc
- Consider moving travel trailers/boats on trailers inland or parking them in sheltered areas.
- Stock up on emergency supplies (personal 72 hour kit)
- Fill your tub(s) with water in the event of a power outage that effects water supply/sewage
- Fill your vehicles with fuel
- Fill extra Gerry cans with fuel for your vehicle/generator
- Fill up your BBQ Propane tank
- Have some cash on hand in case ATMs aren’t available
- Stock up on groceries before Friday
- Consider use of social media to check in with family members
- Collect up all important papers, documents, and prescription medications and move them to an area where they will be safe from flooding and they can be easily taken with you should you be forced to evacuate.
- Make sure you have sufficient pet food to last you for at least a week (because bringing in resupplies of pet food is not a EM priority.
- Make sure you have a supply of batteries for flashlights/radio
- Charge your phones immediately prior to the storm arrival
- During the storm, stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors
- If your home starts to flood, turn of the power at the main breaker
- If you have a chain saw/axe/hatchet, get it sharpened before Saturday.
