Fwd: How Do I Prepare Before a Hurricane?

 

SERVICEMASTER by Replacements http://www.smbyreplacements.com How Do I Prepare Before a Hurricane? With the threat of Hurricane Joaquin, there are some tips you should be aware of to prepare. You can minimize the damage a hurricane causes by having a plan in place. There are a number of things you can do to prepare for a hurricane, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Ready.gov, including: Stock up on emergency supplies. Have a week's supply of water, plenty of nonperishable food items and refill necessary prescriptions for family members, including pets. Create an evacuation route for all family members. Identify two meeting places: one right outside the home and another outside the neighborhood in case access to the home is cut off. Make sure everyone knows the address and phone number of the second meeting place. Identify the location of community shelters. Fill vehicles' gas tanks and make sure to have a car charger for cell phones. Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted. Identify levees and dams in your area, and determine whether they pose a hazard to you. 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 and anything else that is not tied down. 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. Source: www.ready.gov/hurricanes      Terminix® | American Home Shield® | Merry Maids® | AmeriSpec® |  ServiceMaster Clean® | ServiceMaster Restore® | Furniture Medic® | ServiceMaster Restore services provided by independently owned and operated franchises and may vary depending on location. © 2014 ServiceMaster Residential/Commercial Services. L.P. All Rights Reserved.