June 1st marked the start of hurricane season. While meteorologists are expecting below average activity in the Atlantic, it’s always important to be prepared and have a plan in place.
As we know too well from previous storms we’ve had to weather and those we’ve witnessed through media outlets, any major storm, be it categorized a hurricane or not, has the potential to cause major disruption to your home or business. Two of the biggest dangers to prepare for are tornadoes and floods, both of which have the potential to cause severe devastation. So make sure to prepare emergency flood and cleanup plans.
It’s important to get to know your local area … Is there a history of flooding in your neighborhood? How about your property? In the event of an evacuation, have an emergency kit prepared and make sure you’re familiar with your community’s emergency evacuation route.
Once you’re ready to return after the storm passes wait till the daylight hours when it’s easier to spot potential hazards. Stay away from damaged structures until a building inspector or government official has deemed it safe. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, vacate the property immediately and contact emergency authorities. Be sure to keep children and pets out of the affected areas.
The aftermath of a natural disaster can be overwhelming. While the intentions of those wanting to help are often noble, oftentimes the quickest way to get your family life and business back to normal is to hire highly trained professionals.