Hurricane Preparedness: SERVPRO of Martin County´s Proven Tips for Home and Business Owner

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricanes are powerful storms that can cause devastating damage. As a homeowner or business owner, it is important to be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane. By following these tips from SERVPRO of Martin County, you can minimize the damage to your property and protect your family and employees. 

1. Create a hurricane preparedness plan

Your hurricane preparedness plan should include the following: 

• A list of important contact information, including emergency services, your insurance company, and family members who live out of town. 
• A plan for evacuating your home or business, if necessary. 
• A list of essential items to take with you if you evacuate, such as food, water, medications, and important documents. 

• A plan for securing your home or business before a hurricane. 

2. Assemble a disaster preparedness kit

Your disaster preparedness kit should include the following items: 

• Food and water for at least three days per person 
• Medications and medical supplies 

• A first-aid kit 
• A flashlight and batteries 
• A battery-operated radio 
• A can opener 
• A manual can opener 

• A whistle 
• A dust mask 
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape 
• A wrench or pliers 
• A shovel 

• A portable generator (optional) 
• Fuel for the generator (optional) 

3. Secure your home and property

Before a hurricane, it is important to secure your home and property to minimize the damage. Here are some tips: 

• Trim trees and shrubs around your home to remove any dead or weak branches. 

• Board up windows and doors. 
• Secure loose objects around your yard, such as patio furniture and garbage cans. 
• Bring your outdoor furniture inside, if possible. 
• Turn off your gas and electricity if you are advised to do so by local officials. 

4. Stay informed about the latest weather conditions

Once a hurricane is in the Gulf of Mexico, it is important to stay informed about the latest weather conditions. Monitor local news and weather reports to track the storm's path and intensity. 

5. Evacuate if necessary

If local officials order an evacuation, it is important to comply. Evacuating is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of a hurricane. 

Additional tips for business owners 

In addition to the tips above, business owners should also take the following steps to prepare for a hurricane: 

• Develop a business continuity plan. This plan should outline how your business will operate during and after a hurricane. 
• Back up important business data. This data should be stored in a safe location, such as a cloud backup service. 
• Protect your business property. This includes boarding up windows and doors, and securing loose objects around your property. 
• Communicate with your employees. Let your employees know about your hurricane preparedness plan and evacuation procedures. 

By following these tips, you can help to protect your home, business, and family from the devastating effects of a hurricane.