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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