With recent occurrences in Texas and Florida, it is important to always be prepared for severe weather changes and storms. In order to ensure the safety of you, your family, friends, and coworkers consider the following tips to make sure you are prepared for any unexpected weather threats.
1. Have at least one week’s supply of bottled water in your home for each person
Infants and children are especially vulnerable to dehydration. Make sure to buy water ahead of time, to ensure that you have enough to last.
2. Have at least one week’s supply of food for each person in your home
Always keep a stock of canned foods on-hand, as well as other items that will not require refrigeration or preparation. “Energy foods,” such as granola bars, are also recommended. Make sure you also have a manual can opener available for these products.
3. Check to ensure you have enough first-aid supplies on-hand
In the case that someone is hurt, it is important that you have a supply of adhesive bandages, sterile dressing, gauze, hand wipes, alcohol-based sanitizer, and non-latex gloves. Within this first-aid kit, also keep extra supplies of your regular medications, along with Ibuprofen, Benadryl, and Motrin.
4. Have flashlights and extra batteries on-hand
In the case that you lose power, having these supplies will make a big difference. If you have time before the storm, try to install backup lights that turn on when the power goes out. Battery-operated radios can also be helpful for receiving weather updates.
5. Remove heavy items from tall stands, and secure other items that may fall
It is important to secure items on shelves and walls ahead of time to prevent them from falling, breaking or injuring someone. Placing objects on lower shelves or storing them elsewhere can prevent this. You may even secure drawers to prevent them from swinging open.
6. Cover windows to prevent breakage and flooding
There are a few options for this, but plywood is an effective and inexpensive way to cover your windows. Storm shutters are another option that can be permanently attached to your house if you are in an area that is affected by hurricanes more often.
7. Prepare a list of your phone contacts & emergency contacts in the event that your cellphone dies, and you are in need of assistance moving debris or seeking medical assistance.
Having a landline phone during storms could help you seek assistance when needed if your cellphone dies or has trouble connecting. Keep your list of contacts in a place that will stay dry.
8. Back-up all computer documents and files
Make sure all of the important information on your computer is backed-up ahead of time. Also, make sure that your important hard files are in a secure and dry location. If you do not have one, a waterproof and fireproof safe for birth certificates and other documents is a good investment.
9. Have a supply of blankets, sheets, and warm clothing available
In case you are stuck in your home during a cold season, make sure you have enough supplies to keep all of the members of your family warm.
10. Stay calm
Remembering not to panic can be a life-saver. Panicking can affect your ability to think critically and make good decisions. Have all of your supplies on hand and stored together, to help you and your family stay calm while help is on the way.
If you have any questions, please contact Carriage Trade Insurance at (516)358-5600 or e-mail sruggles@carriagetradeinsurance.com