Hurricane Florence is making its way to the coast. While it is still unknown when or where the hurricane hits, we need to take a moment and ensure we are prepared. Hurricane preparedness can be the difference for your family, pets and home.
Make a Plan
Make a plan immediately. Your family needs to know how to jump into action if a hurricane or other disaster hits. How will you contact each other? Create a planned meeting place that is familiar and convenient.
Create your plan
- Sign up for emergency alerts
- Locate the area shelters
- Gather important documents including insurance information
- Store bottled water and food supplies
Prepare for your family’s needs
- Needs of family members
- All medical needs
- Dietary needs
- Pets’ needs
- Activities for school aged-children
- Charge all phones and electronic devices
Take time to practice your hurricane preparedness plan. Practice makes perfect and ensures a safe action plan during a time of crisis.
Prepare Your Home
After your family has a plan, prepare your home for the incoming storm. High winds and flying debris can create serious damage to your home.
Prepare your property
- Trim shrubs and trees
- Clean out clogged rain gutters
- Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations and garbage cans
Prepare your House
Install hurricane shutters, if available. If you do not have access to storm shutters or if your home is not set up for the shutters, board up your windows. Plywood is inexpensive and readily available. Ensure the plywood has a 30% greater impact strength than OSB. Also, choose 5/8 inch-thick, exterior grade (CDX0 plywood, at minimum.
How to Board Your Windows
Board up windows
- Mark the closest stud location on each side and underneath the window. When fastened to sheathing or trim, plywood is likely to fly away.
- Cut each panel to length of one inch extended beyond the framing on all sides of the window.
- Plan panel placement by numbering each panel and placing an arrow illustrating which end goes up.
- Utilize corrosion resistant screws, reaching at least 2 inches into the framing. Galvanized pan heads or lags are recommended.
- Hold the plywood up against the opening and drill pilot holes through it and into the framing every 16 inches. Be sure each hole is at least one inch away from the panel edge.
- Need assistance with boarding your windows, GoGlass provides help preparing your home for the hurricane or storm.
Hurricane Preparedness During the Storm
Evacuation may be mandatory or necessary for your safety. Please follow all local government indications. If you find your self and your family stuck home during the hurricane, follow these safety precautions.
During the Hurricane or Storm
- Stay tuned to radio and TV stations for official weather information.
- Follow instructions and advice given by emergency officials.
- Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
- Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.
- Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
- Avoid using the phone except in the case of emergencies.
- Avoid elevators.
- If you live in a mobile home, plan to leave. Mobile homes are unsafe in high winds.
- Do not attempt to evacuate during the height of a hurricane. You are safer in your home than out on the road.
- Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as for cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill a bathtub or other large container with the water. This is important for those whose water runs off an electrical system.
Recovering from the Hurricane
After the hurricane or storm ends, following safety precautions remains imperative to protect your family and home.
After the Hurricane
- Continue listening for updated regarding extended rainfall, flooding and storm surge.
- Do not return to your home until officials grant access.
- Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads/areas.
- Avoid downed power lines, reporting any to the local power company.
- Do not enter your home if you smell gas or if your home is surrounded by floodwater.
- Use battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering – the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.
- Watch your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
- Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
- Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out!
- Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
- If you have become separated from your family, contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS/1-800-733-2767 or visit the American Red Cross Safe and Well site: www.safeandwell.org.
Once you receive the all clear signal from our local emergency and government officials, please return to your property with care. Your safety is extremely important to us. Remember that recovering from a hurricane can be a stressful and depressing time. Handle broken glass and damage with care. We are here to assist you with glass cleanup and are available for window repair and replacement. We promise to respond quickly and efficiently. If you experience glass damage, need assistance with hurricane preparedness or have any general glass questions, contact your local GoGlass location.