What to Do After a Storm?

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

Be careful to take certain precautions after the storm has passed. Damage to your home can have a dramatic emotional impact, and it's best to have a plan before the storm strikes for how to reenter your home. Having a plan, and being aware of certain risks, will minimize the threat of harm to you or your family.  

Keep these tips in mind:

• Stay tuned to local news organizations, such as a radio or television station, for important announcements, bulletin, and instructions concerning the storm area, medical aid and other forms of assistance, such as food, water and shelter.  
• Remember that you may not have immediate access to your home. Emergency rescue crews, power crews and other personnel may be attending to special needs. Roads could be blocked, power lines could be down and people may be trapped and in need of assistance.  
• Make sure that you have current identification. You may have to pass through identification check points before being allowed access to your home/neighborhood.  
• Avoid driving as roads may be blocked.
• Avoid downed power lines even if they look harmless.
• Flooding brings with it the risk of waterborne bacterial contamination.

These are just a few ideas to be thinking about before and after a severe storm hits. Remember to keep your radio tuned to a station issuing emergency bulletins and updates with the latest information.