Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
Are you prepared for hurricane season?
As hurricane season approaches, it’s important to make sure that you and your property are prepared in the event of a major storm. While it’s impossible to predict exactly when and where a hurricane will strike, taking proactive steps to prepare can help minimize the damage to your home or business. At R&L, we understand the devastation that can be caused by hurricanes, and we want to help you stay safe and protected. We’ve prepared the following checklist for you to print.
Are you a business owner? Learn how we prevent excessive business downtime should disaster strike, give us a call at 713-686-8899.
Secure your property:
Prepare your property for the hurricane/ storm by taking precautionary steps that include:
- Secure porch and garage doors
- Bring outdoor furniture and objects inside
- Consider boarding up windows
- Consider installing storm shutters
- Close and lock all windows and doors
- Tape glass to protecting from shattering
- If instructed by authorities, turn off utilities
- Prune dead and dying tree limbs.
- Unplug all appliances except refrigerator
- Inspect roof and repair any existing damage
- Elevate furniture and appliances off the floor and cover with plastic
Gather Emergency Items
Create an emergency kit: Prepare a well-stocked emergency kit that includes the following items:
- Bottled water
- Canned food / manual can opener
- Disposable plates, cups, and utensils
- Multi-purpose tool
- Whistle to signal for help
- First-aid kit
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Portable phone charger / radio
- Medication and medical supplies
- Generator / Emergency Fuel
- Personal hygiene items (soap, toilet, etc.)
- Gather important documents such as insurance policies, passports, etc.
Plan for evacuation
Create an emergency kit: Prepare a well-stocked emergency kit that includes the following items. If you live in a high-risk area, be prepared to evacuate quickly. Have a plan in place, including:
- A designated meeting spot for your family or household members
- A list of important phone numbers, including emergency contacts and a family member or friend who lives outside the affected area
- A map of evacuation routes and shelter locations
- A plan for your pets, including extra food, water, and a crate or carrier
During the Storm (if evacuation is necessary):
Follow evacuation orders: If you are instructed to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not wait until the last minute to leave, as roads may become congested and dangerous. Take your emergency kit: Be sure to bring your emergency kit with you, as well as any necessary medications, important documents, and supplies for your pets. Stay informed: Listen to local news and weather updates to stay informed about the storm’s progress and any evacuation orders or other important information.
During the Storm (if evacuation is not necessary):
Stay inside your home or business during the storm, and avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. Stay away from windows and doors: If possible, stay in an interior room without windows or doors. Keep your emergency kit handy: Keep your emergency kit nearby in case of power outages or other disruptions. Stay informed: Listen to local news and weather updates to stay informed about the storm’s progress and any important information.
After the Storm:
Be cautious when returning to your home or business after the storm has passed. Be sure to check for any structural damage or flooding, and follow any instructions from local authorities regarding re-entry and cleanup. Take pictures of your entire property to assist with your insurance claim. Call your adjuster to report loss, and contact a property damage restoration company like R&L Global Inc for damage assessment. We specialize in Houston storm damage restoration.
