dear californians -
though i don’t live on the NC coast (i’m more central/near the mountains NC), i still deal with hurricanes. they can still be hurricane or tropical storm level by the time they reach here.
the cone of certainty is also kind of uncertain - it can wiggle within the cone, or veer completely off course at any time.
do not underestimate this.
here’s some prep:
in case of power outage -
charge everything
have batteries
have flashlights
have non-perishable food
have a cooler and ice packs/bags of ice for vital food and medications
the food thing is really important for people with dietary restrictions because it can take days for power to be restored
open your refrigerator and freezer as little as possible to keep things cool longer
in case of water problems -
fill all the water bottles
in case of flooding and evacuation -
get a full tank of gas
don’t drive through water ffs
have cash
have a bag packed with clothes, shoes, medications, etc.
have a bag packed for your pet(s) with carriers, food, medications, favorite toys, etc.
get any important documents together and put them in ziplock bags to protect them from water
document any valuable possessions in case of flooding for insurance purposes (move them to higher ground if there’s time)
check your flood zone
check your flood, home/rent, car insurance policies
check your evacuation route
listen to officials and meteorologists. stay calm. have a plan.
thinking of you! feel free to ask me questions and share this.
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As someone (from the USA) who survived a severe hurricane, if there is one piece of advice I could give, PLEASE listen to any evacuation orders. This goes for voluntary and mandatory, but ESPECIALLY mandatory. If you can't get outside the evacuation zone, even just getting closer to the boundary is better than nothing.
If you are in a mandatory evacuation zone and you stay, no one (no emergency services) will be coming to save you. You will have to hunker down for however long the storm lasts.
The time to prepare for evacuation is as soon as you know you're under evacuation order, at LEAST. Do NOT delay. You don't want to be like my family who only left once the flood began (thanks, dad). Not only did we have to hurry to pack, we weren't able to prepare. At that, here are some good things to do in a hurricane:
Have a radio - an emergency crank radio is good, since it uses mechanical energy. We also had walkie talkies.
Have a good first aid kit, especially if you cant get out.
Unplug anything that you absolutely do not need while home, unplug everything before you leave. We didn't do this and my house almost caught fire (fridge outlet) - only the flood put it out.
Have a working fire alarm, charge flashlights and devices. Make sure you also have candles and lighters, too.
Be VERY careful if you must wade or drive in flood water. There will be debris, there will be down power lines. It is deeper than it looks.
Stock up on water and nonperishable food. Eat your perishable foods now. Use coolers for any excess. MREs are good to have, you can order them online.
Put belongings you can't take with you as high up in your house as you can - prioritize things that cannot be easily/emotionally replaced. Leave space for you to go high up too, if you're staying.
Use sand bags (or DIY alternatives) as flood barriers. Tie or tarp down everything you can, and don't keep it in a wide open area.
Close windows, and stay away from them. You really don't want to be there when something comes flying.
This is all I can think of for now, others feel free to add more or correct me. Remember, your life is more important than objects. Losing your life is worse than losing everything but your life. Stay safe, and stay alive.
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Hurricane Preparedness – A Comprehensive Guide
Avoid being unprepared for the devastation and mayhem hurricanes cause when they roar through your community. Knowing how to prepare and what to expect during and after a hurricane will help get you quickly on your feet.
New Image Roofing Atlanta assembled this comprehensive guide for hurricane preparedness, damage mitigation, emergency assistance, and recovery.
Hurricane Preparedness
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The Atlantic basin includes the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. Severe hurricanes may reach as far inland as Tennessee, northern Georgia, and the Carolinas with damaging winds and potential flooding. Being well-prepared for a hurricane is essential for safeguarding your home and family. Consider the following:
Create a Hurricane Preparedness Plan – Develop a comprehensive hurricane preparedness plan that includes evacuation routes, designated shelter locations, and communication strategies for your family. Practice evacuation drills to ensure everyone is familiar with the plan.
Tip: Carry physical/paper maps and printed emergency contact information (mobile device/internet reception may be interrupted for days or weeks).
Build an Emergency Kit (Go Bag) – Assemble an emergency kit containing essential supplies like water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid items, flashlights, batteries, and important documents. Keep the kit in a readily accessible location.
Identification and Important Documents include:
Personal identification (ID, passport, driver’s license)
Emergency contact information
Insurance information
Medical records and prescriptions
Notarized copies of important documents (insurance, birth certificates, marriage certificates, deeds)
Communication Essentials include:
Fully charged cell phone and charger (with adaptor)
Multiple charged device batteries
Portable power bank
Battery-operated or hand-crank radio
Clothing and Personal Items include:
Multiple changes of clothes (including undergarments and socks)
Sturdy shoes or boots
Hat and gloves
Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
Personal hygiene necessities (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene products)
Bath and hand towels
Tip: Have enough supplies to sustain your household, including non-perishable food, medication, disinfectants, and pet supplies (in your go bag or car trunk). You may not have access to replenish these supplies for days or weeks following a hurricane.
Secure Your Home – Reinforce your home’s structural integrity by installing hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows. Trim trees and branches that could pose a threat during high winds. Ensure that doors and windows are securely sealed.
Stay Informed – Monitor weather forecasts and heed evacuation warnings. Stay informed through official channels, weather apps, and emergency broadcasts. Awareness of the storm’s trajectory and intensity is crucial for timely decisions. Consider the following to stay informed:
Download the FEMA app
Sign up for community alerts
Local and cable weather/news channels
Emergency Alert System (EAS) – no sign-up necessary
Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) – no sign-up necessary
Know your Evacuation Zone – You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane (if you live in an evacuation zone). Know your evacuation routes, practice with your household and pets, and identify where you will stay.
Tip: Follow local emergency manager instructions (they work closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies and partners). They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures.
Potential Roof and Home Hurricane Damages
Wind Damage – Hurricane-force winds can cause significant damage to roofs and homes. Inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles, damaged flashing, and signs of uplift. Secure loose items around your property to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
Flooding – Heavy rainfall associated with hurricanes can lead to severe flooding. Inspect your home for water intrusion, especially in basements and lower levels. Address any drainage issues and consider installing a sump pump.
Storm Surge – Coastal areas are particularly susceptible to storm surges, which can result in widespread flooding. If you live in a coastal region, elevate your home on pilings or consider installing flood barriers to mitigate storm surge impacts.
Structural Damage – Hurricanes may cause structural damage to homes, including leaning walls, foundation issues, and compromised support structures. Conduct a thorough inspection after the storm and address any structural concerns promptly.
Post-Hurricane Emergency Services
Check with your local emergency management department, volunteer agencies, or call your local 2-1-1. The FEMA Helpline 800-621-3362 and the American Red Cross 800-733-2767 may be able to provide additional assistance and referrals. Consider seeking the following emergency services:
Evacuation Centers – After a hurricane, local authorities may establish evacuation centers to provide shelter, food, and basic amenities. Follow official instructions and seek refuge in designated evacuation centers if necessary.
Note: If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
Medical Assistance – Emergency medical services (EMS) will be available to provide medical assistance after a hurricane. Seek professional medical attention for injuries and health-related issues.
Utility Restoration – Report utility outages, gas leaks, and electrical issues to utility companies. Avoid using damaged utilities until they have been inspected and deemed safe by professionals.
Community Support – Local community organizations and support services may offer assistance, including food distribution, temporary housing, and essential supplies. Stay informed about available resources in your area.
Post-Hurricane Home and Roof Repair
Document Damages – After the hurricane passes, document all damages to your home and roof by taking photographs and narrated videos (multiple images can be extracted from video footage). This documentation will be crucial when filing insurance claims and seeking repairs.
Tip: Take pictures and shoot video footage during fair weather conditions that establish your home’s condition before a severe weather event.
Contact Your Insurance Provider – Notify your insurance company promptly after the hurricane and provide them with a detailed description of the damages along with the documentation you have collected. Initiate the claims process as soon as possible.
Select Reputable Contractors – Choose experienced and reputable contractors for repairs. Obtain multiple quotes, check references, and verify credentials. Ensure the contractors are licensed in your state, insured, and bonded.
Coordinate with Insurance Adjuster – Work closely with your insurance adjuster and contractors during the inspection process. Ensure that all damages are thoroughly assessed and included in the insurance claim.
Timely Repairs – Once the insurance claim is approved, schedule repairs promptly. Address structural issues, roof damage, and any other necessary repairs to restore your home to its pre-hurricane condition.
Due to extensive damages caused by hurricanes, keep numbers/contact information to trusted service providers, including the following:
Roofing Contractor
Tree Service
Fencing Contractor
Flood Mitigation Company
Moving or Pack Out Company
Restoration Contractor
Towing Service
Electrician
HVAC
Plumber
Tip: Avoid using out-of-town or unfamiliar service providers, as many are storm chasers and will not provide or honor service warranties. Instead, seek licensed, bonded, and insured contractors.
Watch this video for more information about your insurance deductible.
Hurricane Preparedness and Safety
In this article, you discovered essential information about hurricane preparedness, potential damages to roofs and homes, post-hurricane emergency services, and how to repair your home and roof after the storm.
Your awareness and preparedness for hurricane season will minimize potential damages and help you return to normal in the storm’s aftermath.
Lack of proactive measures and delayed action will leave you uninformed and severely challenged to get your home and roof repaired after a hurricane sweeps through your community.
Sources:
nhc.noaa.gov
ready.gov/hurricanes
weather.gov/safety/hurricane-plan
usace.army.mil/Missions/Emergency-Operations/Hurricane-Season
New Image Roofing Atlanta
2020 Howell Mill Rd NW Suite 232
Atlanta, GA30318
(404) 680-0041
To see the original version of this article, visit https://www.newimageroofingatlanta.com/hurricane-preparedness-a-comprehensive-guide/
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Hurricane Ian, What Do We Learn?
The damage Hurricane Ian left behind is going to take years to fix, and in some cases, life may never return to the way it was. Anyone who has ever been to Southwest Florida knows how special it is. Ian's path was the worst possible for the West Coast of Florida.
During the coverage leading up to the storm the experts were pegging Tampa as the place likely to get hit. Studies that have been done showing what a storm like Ian would do to Tampa may actually have underestimated the damage based on what just happened. As someone who lives in and loves Tampa, this storm got my attention as nothing has in the past. I thought we were prepared but seeing the kind of damage that happened so close by made me realize there were many holes in the plan.
We know how tragic it is for people who were hit by Ian, but for everyone else who avoided destruction, this is no time to breathe easy, this was a wake-up call. I had two guests on the Tell Us How to Make It Better podcast this week. Aris Papadopoulos, the author of Resilience-The Ultimate Sustainability, and John Scardena, an expert in emergency and disaster management. We talked about what people who were near misses should be doing going forward.
Here’s the link to our website to listen to the podcast: Tell Us How to Make It Better
We’ve gone to Naples and Sanibel several times, so it really hurts seeing a place you love get damaged like that. It was also an opportunity to see the blueprint for a disaster in Tampa played out just a few hours south. I’m sure nobody living there could imagine what they are waking up with today and for years to come. Now that we’ve had this view of the future, what will we do about it?
If you want to help the people in Southwest Florida here’s a link to the Florida Disaster Fund: www.FloridaDisasterFund.org
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