hurricane - risk placement services...4 mc_0000560a during a hurricane if a hurricane is projected...
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HurricanePreparedness Guide
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o Ensure you have enough non-perishable food and water to last up to 72 hours.
o Find out how to keep food safe during and after an emergency
o If in a high-rise building when high winds are present, be prepared to take shelter on a lower floor because wind conditions increase with height
• Be prepared to take shelter on a floor safely above, should flooding occur
o Consider building a safe room
• Fully fuel all vehicles and visit the ATM or bank before they close.
• If you are evacuating – shut off the electricity at the main fuse or breaker, and turn off the water at the main valve. Additionally, turn off propane gas service.
Hurricanes can produce heavy rain that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas; everyone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to protect your property or business financially from flood damage.
To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, contact the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (NFIP):
• Floodsmart.gov
• 800.427.2419
Before a HurricaneTo prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:
• Build an emergency kit and make a family communication plan – Consider any medical needs family members may have that may require help you cannot provide.
• Designate someone outside of your area code to act as an information contact point for concerned friends and relatives. Parents are good choices if they live outside the hurricane zone.
• Know your surroundings and map out and exit plan, keep this in all rooms
• Find out if your property is prone to flooding by learning the elevation of your land. This will help you know how your property will be affected if storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted. o Identify levees and dams in your area and determine
whether they pose a hazard to you
• Identify the hurricane evacuation routes for your area. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you need to evacuate
• Take photos and video of all of your contents and belongings
• Make plans to secure your property: o Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm
shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Another year-round option is installation of laminated glass with impact resistant glazing. *Tape does not prevent windows from breaking
o Install straps or additional clips to fasten your roof to the frame structure securely. This will reduce roof damage
o Make sure all trees and shrubs are trimmed - making them more wind resistant.
o Clear loose or clogged rain gutters and downspouts
o Reinforce your garage door; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage
o Bring in all out door furniture, decorations and garbage cans. Secure or bring inside anything that is not tied down
o Determine where and how to secure your boat or other watercraft.
o Install a generator for emergencies
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For more information or to get a quote for Flood insurance contact your local RPS branch.
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During a HurricaneIf a hurricane is projected in your area, you should:
• Tune in to the local news on radio or television for updated information
• Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed
• Turn off propane tanks
• Avoid using landline phones except for in serious emergencies
• Moor your boat if time permits
• Ensure a supply of clean water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
You should evacuate under the following conditions:
• If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure – such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricane no matter how well fastened to the ground
• If you live in a high-rise building – hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations
• If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river or on an island waterway
If you directed by local authorities to evacuate, be sure to follow their instructions. Whether you stay or leave your home – you may need the following items:
• Flashlight with plenty of batteries and battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• First Aid kit (bandages, aspirin, disinfectant swabs)
• Prescription medications (at lease a 2 week supply) in their original bottles, plus copies of prescriptions
• Eyeglasses (with copy of prescription) or contacts and contact solution
• Scissors
• Toilet paper
• Insect repellant, sunscreen
• Water (at least one gallon per person per day is recommended; more is better); remember to fill all tubs and do not forget your water heaters hold fresh water.
• Foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking and coolers for food storage o Powered or evaporated milk
o Canned meats/fish
o Canned fruits and vegetables – dry fruit and nuts
o Cereal and/or crackers
o Instant coffee/tea
o Instant noodles
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During a Hurricane (continued)• Disposable plates and utensils and a manual can
opener
• Items that infants and elderly household members may require
• Medical equipment and devices, such as dentures, crutches, prostheses, etc
• Change of clothes for each household member
• Sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member – air mattress/air pump
• Checkbook, cash in large and small bills and credit cards
• Make sure you have your current state map if you have to evacuate
• Cell phone charger and car charger if you have one
• Charge your laptop computer batteries
• Digital camera for before/after pictures of property
• Books, games and toys for children
Additionally, if you evacuate – DO NOT forget the following important papers:
• Driver’s license or personal identification
• Social Security Card
• Proof of residence (deed or lease)
• Insurance policies/numbers
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Stocks, bonds and other legal documents - make sure all documents are in a waterproof bag.
If you are unable to evacuate, go to a wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:
• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from all windows and glass doors
• Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors
• Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level
• Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object
• Avoid elevators
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After a HurricaneContinue listening to a NOAA weather radio or the local news for the latest updates and stay alert for an extended rainfall and subsequent flooding, even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
• If you have become separated from your family, use your family communication plan or contact the American Red Cross at 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767) or visit the American Red Cross Safe and Well website: o Safeandwell.org
• The American Red Cross also maintains a database to help you and your family. Contact the local American Red Cross chapter where you are staying for more information. Do not contact the chapter in the disaster area.
• If you evacuated, return home only when officials have declared it safe.
• If you cannot return home and have immediate housing needs – text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter12345). o For those who have longer-term housing needs, FEMA
offers several types of assistance, including services and grants to help people repair their homes and find replacement housing.
• Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges Stay off the streets. If you must go out watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads and sidewalks.
• Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company
• Walk carefully around the outside of your home and check for downed or loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage before entering
• Use battery powered flashlights in the dark – DO NOT use candles. **NOTE – the flashlight should be turned on outside before entering – the battery could produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.
• Stay out of any buildings if: o You smell gas
o If there are floodwaters remaining around the building
o If your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe
• Watch any pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Watch out for wild animals, especially snakes. Use a stick to poke though debris.
• Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it is not contaminated
• Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt – throw it out
• Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury
• NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has been shut off.
• Inspect your home for damage. If you have any doubts about the safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering. o Take pictures and/or video of damage, both building and
contents
o Take a complete inventory of damaged and undamaged property (quantities, costs, values, and estimated amount of loss
• Separate damaged goods, but beware of accumulating too much combustible debris in or around the building
• Possibly move covered property from premises to preserve it from further loss or damage
• Board up windows and doors as necessary
• Clean roof drains and remove debris from roof to prevent drainage problems
• Tarp roofs securely
• Call in water Mitigation Company to begin the dry-out process
Activating the Claims Process:
• Keep a record of your expenses necessary to protect covered property
• Give prompt notice to your insurance retailer/broker
• Provide descriptions of all damaged property
• Note how, when and where the loss/damages occurred. Be sure to include name and phone number of insured’s contact and of the local contact at property location
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Emergency KitA disaster emergency kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief works will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it could take days.
Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week or longer. Your supply kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages.
Family Communication PlanYour family may not be together when a disaster strikes so it is important to plan: how you will get to a safe place; how you will contact one another; how you will get back together and what you will do in different situations.
You should also inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school, faith organizations, sports events and commuting. You will be better prepared to reunite your family, loved ones during an emergency if you think ahead, and communicate with others in advance. Have a plan for traveling between work and home, and other commonly visited locations, in case of an emergency.
