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116958-754912 Hurricane Survival Guide0 Hurricane Survival GuideHurricanes are some of the most devastating, and costly, natural disasters known to man.?Preparing your home and family before a hurricane occurs, and knowing how to react before , during and after a storm has passed, are fundamental to helping you to protect your property and keep you and your loved ones safe and secure.What To Do Before a HurricaneTo prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:To begin preparing, you should?build an emergency kit including food, ,water, medication, change of clothes, pet supplies, battery operated radio, flashlight, cellphone, first aid kit, baby supplies, tools, personal hygiene supplies, important family documents, cash?and?make a family communications plan.Know your surroundings.Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be af, fected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.Make plans to secure your property: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” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, bikes, toys and anything else that is not tied down.Determine how and where to secure your boat.Install a generator for emergencies.If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.Consider building a safe room What to Do During a Hurricane?First,?evacuate if?you are directed to do so?or if you feel it might be unsafe to remain in your home. If you remain in your home, follow these tips to help you and your family stay safe during the storm:Use a portable radio to listen to important storm updates, information and instructions.Stay inside and keep away from all windows, skylights and glass doors. Go to a safe area, such as an interior room, closet or downstairs bathroom.Never go outside the protection of your home or shelter before there is confirmation that the storm has passed the area. The eye of the storm could create a temporary and deceptive lull, with high winds still approaching.If power is lost, keep the refrigerator closed to keep cold air trapped and delay spoilage of perishable food.If you?use a portable generator, follow all the manufacturer’s instructions.?Generators should be properly grounded to prevent electrical shock and should never be operated indoors, in garages, basements or outdoors near any windows, doors or vents. Because generators produce carbon monoxide (CO), make sure you have a working CO detector in your home. What to Do After a Hurricane?After it is confirmed by authorities that the storm has passed and it is safe to go outdoors, you can begin to assess any potential damage to your home and property. Follow these tips after the storm is over:If you were evacuated, return home only after authorities advise it is safe to do so.Avoid downed power lines. Never touch anything in contact with power lines, including water or water puddles that may be near the downed power lines.Protect your property from further damage by boarding up broken windows to help deter vandalism or additional weather damage. Arrange for reasonable temporary repairs.Be wary of any gas lines that may have been damaged or broken during the storm. If a gas leak is suspected, stay out of the property until the utility company deems it safe.Be cautious of hazards that are a product of the storm, such as water due to flooding, sharp or broken objects, damaged tree limbs or other structures that may have been damaged by high winds or water.Keep accurate records of your expenses and save bills and receipts from your temporary repairs. (Avoid making permanent repairs until your Claim professional has reviewed the damage.) Keep accurate records of any other expenses incurred.Separate and inventory any damaged personal property. Create a list of any damaged contents, including a description of the item, name of the manufacturer, brand name, age, as well as the place and date of purchase, if known. Include photographs, videotapes or personal property inventories you may already have available.If you think your home might be unsafe due to storm damage, contact your insurance company to discuss finding temporary accommodations.????Information gathered from FEMA, Travelers Insurance ................
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