Category: Water

Hurricane Season is here: Are you prepared?

6/6/2019

Hurricanes are strong storms that cause life and property threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes. Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. As forecasters track a hurricane the terms “hurricane watch” and “hurricane warning” will be used often. It is important to know the difference:

Hurricane Watch – Hurricane conditions are a threat within 48 hours. Review your hurricane plans, keep informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued.
Hurricane Warning – Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Complete your preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.

What Should I Do?

Listen to local forecasts on television and radio as well as National Weather Service (NWS) announcements.
Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.
Bring in anything that can be picked up by wind (furniture, toys, etc.)
Close windows, doors and shutters.
Turn refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if power goes out.
Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
Fill your car’s gas tank.
Create an evacuation plan with your family. Plan routes to local shelters and make plans for pet care.
Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and bridges.
Because standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding, it is important to have protection from floods associated with heavy rains, tropical storms and hurricanes. For more information visit the National Flood Insurance Program website here.

What Supplies Do I Need?

Water – at least a three-day supply, one gallon per person, per day.
Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare food.
Flashlight
Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications seven-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids, glasses, syringes, etc.)
Multi-purpose tool
Sanitation & personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents (medications, proof of address, deed/lease, passports, insurance policies, etc.)
Cell phones with chargers
Family & emergency contact information
Extra cash (ATMs may be down if power is lost)
Emergency blankets
Maps of the area
Baby & pet supplies if needed
Tools/supplies to secure your home
Extra clothing (hats and shoes as well)
Extra set of car & house keys
Rain gear
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Camera for photos of damage for insurance claims

What Do I Do After A Hurricane?

Continue to listen to weather forecasts and local news for updates.
Stay alert for extended rainfall and flooding even after the storm has ended.
If you evacuated only return home when officials say it is safe.
Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and bridges.
Keep away from loose or downed wires and report them immediately.
Stay out of any building surrounded by water.
Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures for insurance claims.
Use flashlights in the dark, NOT candles which can cause fires.
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it is not contaminated.
Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
Wear protective clothing and use caution when cleaning up to avoid injury.
Watch pets closely and keep them under your direct control.
Use telephones only for emergency calls

Let Your Family Know You Are Safe!
If your community experiences a hurricane or any disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well website available through RedCross.org/SafeandWell to let your family and friends know about your welfare. If you do not have Internet access, call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family.

Click here to download a Hurricane Safety Checklist provided by the Red Cross.

Click Here for How To Prepare for Hurricane Safety!

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want a safer home? consider these inexpensive fixes

3/29/2019

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Home improvement: It’s a never-ending process for many people, and for those of us who aren’t necessarily handy, it can be a hassle, too.

But there are plenty of simple maintenance tasks and other improvements you can handle to make your home safer – whether you’re handy or not. And you won’t have to break out the power tools (or any tools at all in some instances) or worry about getting in over your head.

Water Works
You need running water in your home – but not water running in your home, if you know what we mean. Even minor leaks can cause major problems, from higher water bills to damage requiring costly repairs (maybe even the kind you can’t tackle yourself). Here are some easy ways to make sure your water stays where it should:

Check your appliances. They’re the most common source of water leaks in homes, so it’s worth taking a look at least once a year to check for problems. And the hoses that come with your washer and dishwasher can mean big trouble – they break down over time. Look for kinks and cracks, and replace if needed. Consider using reinforced hoses, too; those with steel braiding or mesh won’t hold up forever, but they’re stronger than rubber or plastic.
Watch the pressure. Water pressure that is set too high can cause pipes, hoses and water lines to leak or burst. Inexpensive gauges are available at home-improvement stores to test your pressure.
Consider installing water sensors. These can alert you to a leak or other problem soon after it occurs – some can even send messages to your smartphone.

Keep Your Family (and Your Guests) On Their Feet
Millions of Americans – many of them older adults – are injured in falls each year. About 2.5 million were hurt in 2013 alone, according to the National Safety Council and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Look around your home. Should you make some of these fixes?

Reduce clutter. Everything from small pieces of furniture to area rugs can pose a hazard, so make sure they’re in appropriate places and out of the way if possible.
Add stability to stairs. Make sure stairways have sturdy rails, and maybe even non-slip strips, particularly outdoors.
Let there be light. It’s hard to walk safely when you can’t see obstacles or potential trouble spots. Make sure your home is well-lit, and don’t forget night lights, too.

Give Everyone Some Air
Pollution isn’t just an outside thing – the air in your home can be unhealthy, too. But helping people breathe a little easier isn’t hard when you follow these steps:

Test the air (and your detectors). Make sure you have working carbon-monoxide and smoke detectors and test them regularly. Also, consider testing your home for radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be dangerous over time.
Check your filters and ducts. Keeping your furnace filter and air ducts clean will keep your air cleaner as well. And consider adding some of nature’s air filters: plants.
Keep your home clean. Dust doesn’t just build up on the furniture – it ends up in the air as well. Regular cleaning means cleaner air (just be sure to use safe products).

Home improvement doesn’t have to mean a kitchen remodel or finishing the basement. Making your home safer, in fact, just might be the best improvement of all.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

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Hurricane Season is here: Are you prepared?

want a safer home? consider these inexpensive fixes

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