2014 Hurricane Season Tips to Remember

The 2014 Hurricane Season is here through November 30th and T&S Roofing Systems has South Florida’s tips to remember for the season:

BEFORE a hurricane you should…

• Build an emergency aid kit, and evacuation plans with your family.
• Prepare 2-3 days of ready to eat meals.
• Cover all your windows. Permanent storm shutters (accordion style) are the best kind of window protection and convenient since you can open and close them as you wish. Plywood works as well. Tape does NOT work.
• Learn the elevation of your home and whether or not the area is prone to flooding.
• Be sure to cut or trim trees or shrubs around your home that may be affected during the storm and can damage your home as a result.
• Unclog rain gutters and downspouts.
• Install a generator for emergencies.
• Bring inside any outdoor furniture that is not tied down, which can become extremely hazardous during the strong winds of a hurricane.
• Reinforce your garage doors.

DURING a hurricane you should…

• Stay updated on the storm through radio or television reports.
• Close your shutters and ensure all outdoor furniture that is not tied down is brought in.
• Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors.
• Turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest and keep its door closed.
• Avoid using your cell phone except for serious emergencies, in case the power goes out and you cannot charge the battery.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes; fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
• Not stay on the top floors of high rise buildings. Hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
• Not be fooled by the eye of the storm, which will bring calmness for a small period of time, only to return with strong winds.
• Avoid elevators.

AFTER a hurricane you should…

• Continue listening the radio or television news for the latest updates
• Be alert for any extended rainfall and flooding after the storm has ended.
• Carefully inspect your home for damage. Be cautious of any loose power lines, gas leaks, or structural damage as you walk out and around your home. Take pictures of damage you find, for insurance purposes. (If you feel it is too dangerous to inspect your home/roof please call a qualified inspector)
• Try to avoid driving, there may be trees and other hazardous debris scattered all throughout the streets.
• Use battery powered flashlights in the dark, do not use candles. Note: Flashlights should be turned on outside. The battery may cause a spark that can ignite leaking gas.
• Not use a generator inside your home. Generators produce highly dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
• Use the telephone for emergency calls only.

If you cannot return to your home and have immediate housing needs you can text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area.

If you become separated from your family you should contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS/1-800-733-2767.

We thank Ready.Gov for providing us one of the more ideal hurricane preparedness guides out. As their motto goes: Prepare. Plan. Stay informed.

Stay dry everyone! We wish you all a safe 2014 hurricane season.