Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind damage, and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States.
Central Pacific Hurricane Season: June 1-November 30.
During a Hurricane
If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:
- Listen to the radio or TV for information.
- Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
- Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
- Turn off propane tanks
- Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
- Moor your boat if time permits.
- Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
- Find out how to keep food safe during and after an emergency.
You should evacuate under the following conditions:
If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
- If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure – such shelter is particularly hazardous during hurricane no matter how well fastened to the ground.
- If you live in a high-rise building – hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
- If you live on the coast, on a flood plain, near a river, or on an island waterway.
Read more about evacuating yourself and your family. If you are unable to evacuate, go to your wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:
- Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
- Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.
- Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.
- Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.
- Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
- Avoid elevators.
More Reminders
Know Your Hurricane Risk
Make an Emergency Plan
Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plan. Discuss the latest Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it may affect your hurricane planning. Don’t forget a plan for the office, kids’ daycare, and anywhere you frequent.
Gather Supplies
Have enough supplies for your household, include medication, disinfectant supplies, cloth face coverings, pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk.
Know your Evacuation Zone
You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with household, pets, and identify where you will stay.
Recognize Warnings and Alerts
Have several ways to receive alerts.Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alertsfrom the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA)- which requires no-sign up.
Review Important Documents
Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents like ID are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password protected digital space.
Strengthen your Home
Declutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture, consider hurricane shutters.
Get Tech Ready
Keep your cell phone charged when you know a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
Help your Neighborhood
Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others
Prepare your Business
Make sure your business has a continuity plan to continue operating when disaster strikes.
Information from www.ready.gov/hurricanes
Don’t Know What to Do? We Do.
How Do We Respond to a Catastrophe Disaster?
From the minute we arrive at the moment we complete a project, ServiceMaster by Wright will keep you informed every step of the way. At the same time, we’ll work with your insurance company to ensure you get the disaster recovery and repairs your home or business needs.
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- After you call us, we’ll have a team of ServiceMaster by Wright who will be on-site within 45 minutes.
- As our teams begin setting up, our project manager will discuss your concerns and get more details on the damage to your home or business.
- Our team will complete a full assessment of your property to ensure no potential issues or critical damages have been missed.
- Our team will begin repairing and cleaning up from the catastrophe, including pack-out for your belongings and relocating salvageable items to storage to be cleaned, sanitized, and restored.
- We’ll also help you file a claim with insurance to ensure you get all the help you need.
- Throughout the length of your project, your project manager will also be available to answer any questions you have and to provide regular updates.
- Not every disaster recovery company will keep you this informed or provide remediation services that are this transparent, but at ServiceMaster by Wright, we believe it is necessary for complete recovery.
