Hurricane warnings need to be taken seriously and we know that you are in the process of preparing and securing your home for Hurricane Sandy. Here are some tips from Windows on Washington and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help you in those preparations.
Before the hurricane:
- Know your surroundings and whether your home is in a flood prone area. Determine where you would go — and how you would get there — if you were ordered to evacuate.
- Cover your home’s windows, either with permanent storm shutters or marine plywood at least 5/8 of an inch thick.
- Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well-trimmed.
- Clear away any loose debris around your home.
- Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
- Secure all outdoor furniture, decorations, trash cans and anything else that could blow away.
- Install a generator for emergencies.
- Take pictures of your home inside and out for insurance purposes.
- Prepare a list of emergency numbers incase the power is out for an extended amount of time. (Include plumbers, electricians, the power company and roofing companies to contact for emergency repairs.)
During:
- Listen to the radio or TV for information.
- Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
- Turn off propane tanks.
- Avoid using the phone except for serious emergencies.
- Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
- Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
After:
- Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
- Stay out of any building that has water around it.
- Inspect your home for damage.
- Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
- Call in a professional for any damages you need repaired.
Windows on Washington has doubled our efforts to prepare for Hurricane Sandy’s aftermath. We pledge to take care of our customer’s homes after the storm. Please be mindful of storm chasing home improvement contractors that will prey on homeowners after a major storm. Choose a contractor you can trust and that will be around long after the storm is gone. Here are some links to help you choose the right contractor for the job.
10 Tips on Choosing a Roofing Contractor After a Storm
10 Tips on Finding the Right Contractor
Experience the Windows on Washington WoW Factor
Windows on Washington – Our Installers Make the Difference
Online: http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
