Emergency Relief and Safety During Hurricane Season

Weather disasters and storms reached an all-time high in the last ten years.

"It is estimated that Hurricane Harvey had a total cost of $125 billion - second only to Hurricane Katrina, which had an approximate cost of $161 billion."

Other hurricanes in 2017 include Maria and Irma, which had total costs of $90 billion and $50 billion, respectively. ("Hurricane Costs." Hurricane Costs) 

According to the NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, 2019 is going to have a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season.

The NOAA is going to be utilizing the latest technology to help secure American's against hurricanes and other tropical storms. "New satellite data and other upgrades to products and services from NOAA enable a more Weather-Ready Nation by providing the public and decision-makers with the information needed to take action before, during and after a hurricane," said Neil Jacobs, Ph.D., acting NOAA administrator. ("NOAA Predicts near-Normal 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season.") 

Even though this year is predicted to be a fairly mild tropical storm season, that does not mean you should drop the ball on safety in the home and the workplace. There have already been tropical storms with high winds and rain on the gulf coast. 

Prepare 

The first thing to do is prepare immediately.

Know if your area is a risk of getting a hurricane or tropical storm. Make sure you sign up for your local community warning system so you get real-time alerts if a storm is on its way.

Watch out for flash flooding that can occur, even if you are not close to the coast. Plan ahead for evacuation if necessary.

Gather important items, supplies, and documents for at least three days, including specific medication, documentation, food or tools. Make sure to check your property and check plumbing and rain gutters to make sure that everything is in perfect condition before a storm hits. 

Download this checklist to make sure you have all the products in your home or workplace to keep people and property safe in case of an emergency. 

During 

During the hurricane, make sure to follow all the guidelines from local authorities. Regularly check resources for up-to-date information on the storm.

Stay away from windows for protection from high winds and seek shelter on the lowest level of the building, in an interior space. If there is flooding, move to higher ground. Remember to never walk or drive on flooded roads or through the water.

Most important - make sure to Call 9-1-1 if in danger. 

After

After the storm, return to your area only after authorities say it is safe. Pay attention to flooded streets and do not walk or drive through floodwater.

Make sure to look out for unstable trees, poles and power lines. If you are needing to move debris, make sure to wear gloves and sturdy thick-soled shoes to protect your hands and feet. 

Hurricane season is from June till November and peak is season starts in August, but tropical storms of all sizes can devastate a home, a business and a community.

Please contact us today to get all the supplies you need to protect your home and business. 

 

 

[1]“Hurricane Costs.” Hurricane Costs, coast.noaa.gov/states/fast-facts/hurricane-costs.html.

[1]“NOAA Predicts near-Normal 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season.” NOAA Predicts near-Normal 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 23 May 2019, www.noaa.gov/media-release/noaa-predicts-near-normal-2019-atlantic-hurricane-season