Yes, you read that right. Hurricane season has officially kicked off. From June to November, the nation is on high-alert for tropical disturbances and the potential for hurricanes. Many of us by the Gulf have a pretty good idea on how to prepare for a hurricane, but it’s important to still keep in mind what to/not to do during and after a hurricane makes landfall. Check out our quick and easy guide for you and your family to keep in mind during these weather-aware months.

BEFORE THE STORM

• Keep a lookout for emergency alerts via your local TV channels and/or radio stations.
• Store all of your family’s important documents (SSC, birth certificates, passports, etc.) in a safe place. To stay on the safe side, make copies or use a “scanner” app to digitally have the information on hand.
• Based on where your home is located, make a plan for evacuation. Remember, some streets in your neighborhood may flood and others won’t, so stay on the safe side by working together with your neighbors on the safest route to get to safety.
• Always have a decent amount of perishables as a base in case the storm comes sooner than expected. As a rule of thumb, have enough food and water to last you at least three days. This also includes medicines, cash and batteries.
• Prep your home for potential wind and water damage. Declutter drains and gutters, install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups and review your insurance policies.
  • Quick Tip: If you have NFIP flood insurance, you policy could cover up to $1000 in loss avoidance measures (like sandbags and water pumps). Keep copies of your receipts to send over to your insurance adjuster for when you file a claim.
• Keep battery packs around and fully charged. You may lose power and won’t be able to charge your phone.
• If you have any pets, take them inside with you! Waiting until last minute or leaving them outside could be fatal.

DURING THE STORM

• In case of high winds, go to the smallest and windowless room/hallways on the lowest floor of your home.
• In case of flooding, go to the highest level of your home. Avoid the closed attic; you may get trapped by rising flood water should it go up that high.
• If you’re using a generator, make sure it’s only used outdoors and away from any windows.
• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. It only takes six inches of fast-moving water to knock you down and one foot of moving water to sweep your car away.

AFTER THE STORM

• Avoid walking in the flood water. It can contain dangerous debris and underground/downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• If you’re trying to turn off the main breaker or fuse box, do so only if it’s dry. It’s wet or if you’re standing in water, you run the risk of electric shock.
• Keep in mind that after a hurricane, familiar scents and landmarks may be different for your pet. They may be confused and lost, so be patient and keep a close eye on where they’re at.
• Have your phone handy to start taking photos of the home damage as soon as possible to send over to your insurance company.

Many of these tips, we know you’ve heard before, but it’s important for us to inform our customers and community to stay weather aware during hurricane season. Remember, if you see any loose power lines or if you’re home has a power outage, please contact your utility! See our resources page and keep it handy in case you need your utility’s contact info: http://bit.ly/FrontierPowerOutages