Getting Ready For Hurricane Season 2011
Hurricane
season 2011 is almost upon us, beginning in June and running through mid-November. It is that time of year when all eyes turn
towards the Atlantic basin, carefully watching each and every tropical
depression and waiting for the one that will set its crosshairs on the United
States eastern seaboard. 
Of course we
haven’t had a truly destructive storm hit the US since 2005, when Hurricane
Wilma came ashore as a Category 5 storm, ravaging Florida and causing nearly
$30 billion in damages. Forecasters are
predicting that we will see 12 – 18 named storms this season, with 6 – 10
becoming hurricanes. With that in mind, it is important to make adequate
preparations for when the next Category 5 hurricane bears down on your
neighborhood.
Of course you
can’t stop or change the direction of a hurricane or tropical storm, but you
can take appropriate steps to safeguard your property.
Have an
evacuation route planned, preferably one that leads to higher ground, and have
the contact number for an out of state relative, someone you can call and let
them know that you are alright.
Have a “go bag”
prepared, stocked with first aid supplies, several changes of clothes, money
for several days, food, bottled water, a battery powered radio with extra
batteries, and anything else you need.
When a
hurricane watch is issued, you should get out of low lying areas, as they will
be the first to flood as the result of torrential rains or storm surge from the
coastal waters.
Protect your
house by covered windows with plywood and installing storm shutters. Secure all outside objects….you don’t want
your lawn furniture to become airborne missiles.
If ordered to
evacuate, you should do so immediately.
There is a reason for the evacuation order and trying to ride out a
hurricane is a decision that could cost you your life.
If you do find
yourself in the midst of a storm, stay away from windows, preferably in a
secure room in the middle of your home.
Have a battery
powered radio to monitor rapidly changing weather conditions, and resist the
urge to venture outside during the eye of the storm. This period of calm is a false one, and the
storm will crank back up to full fury within minutes.
Once the storm
has passed, make sure everyone is accounted for and uninjured, and monitor
local radio broadcasts for any messages from local emergency management.
You should also
stay away from any downed power lines and report them to local
authorities.
Of course, the
one step you can take right now is to secure the contact information for your
local IICRC certified water damage restoration company. You may very well need water restoration
services, and the aftermath of the storm is no time to comparison shop. IICRC certification means 24/7/365 service,
with a full staff, the latest in tools, equipment, and procedures, and a full
range of services designed to handle all of your water damage needs.
Don’t wait for
the Emergency Broadcast alarms to sound.
Call your local water damage professionals today. 
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