Preparing for a Major Storm or Hurricane

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

When a major storm is coming, safety is the number one priority. Stay informed by following NOAA or your local news channels for updates. It's also important to obey all evacuation orders. Below are safety tips for how you can prepare before a major storm whether you will or will not be evacuating.

1. Make a plan
   If evacuation is necessary, turn off all utilities and follow community disaster preparedness plans. Select a common meeting place or single point-of-contact for all family members. If you have pets, have a plan for their evacuation as well.  
2. Secure the exterior
   Trim large trees and shrubs and bring all outside patio furniture, potted plants, bikes and toys indoors. If necessary, secure outdoor sculptures with burlap or blankets tied with rope.  
3. Install storm shutters
   Protect windows, doors and skylights with appropriate shutters or impact-resistant glass. You can nail pieces of plywood to window frames as last-minute protection.  
4. Check wall hangings and art
   Make sure wall hangings are secure and take notes about your art collection and any existing damage. Make sure that art hung on outside walls are taken inside, and elevated off the floor. Click here for more tips on how to help protect your art and other valuables from severe storms, winds, and floods.  
5. Move your cars
   Move cars to higher ground or park them in your garage against the garage doors. Do not park under trees, power lines or in low-lying areas.
6. Power up
   Fill your car’s gas tank, charge your cell phone, test your generator and have plenty of fuel ready in case of power outages.
7. Unplug appliances
   Move appliances and household fixtures away from exterior doors and window openings. Store them in cabinets or interior closets.
8. Store important documents
   Keep important documents, such as legal papers, birth certificates, marriage license, financial papers and insurance policy information, as well as valuables such as jewelry, in a safety deposit box or in a bolted safe in an interior closet in your home.
9. Prepare an emergency kit
   Gather flashlights, a portable radio, extra batteries, non-perishable food for 2 weeks, bottled water for 2 weeks, cash, blankets, clothing and toiletries. 
10. Identify a shelter room
    This enclosed area should be on the first floor, in the central part of the house with no windows. Avoid all unprotected windows and doors until the storm passes.

After the Storm

SERVPRO of Hattiesburg is a local company with national resources. Our team of personnel spans over 1700 franchises from within our disaster recovery network. Should disaster strike, know that we are always ready and available: 601-544-0512.