What to Do After a Hurricane

If during a hurricane you decided to evacuate, or if you decided to ride out the storm, there are a few things that you need to remember to do after the storm. Please keep in mind that there is still a large amount of danger after the storm passes and could be as fatal as the storm itself. This article will offer some tips to help you and your family stay safe after the storm has passed.

First and foremost, the main thing that you need to do after the storm is continue to listen to your local radio, television station, or the National Weather Service. The media could be a valuable source of information by letting you know the condition of the roads, and if there are any problem areas that might be around your home.

In the aftermath of a storm, your local authorities will be out in full force trying to make sure everyone is safe. If you come across a roadblock, do not try to get past the road block. Trust the authorities because they have your best interest in mind. The authorities do understand that your valuables are in your home or business, but their utter most priority is your safety. Property can normally be replaced, however a life can not.

If you live in Florida, the Florida Department of Transportation has a free service to alert residents of traffic conditions, severe weather, lane or road closures, construction, toll suspensions and contraflow (reverse laning) during an evacuation. You can dial 511 from your cell phone, landline, or even visit on the World Wide Web at www.FL511.com. This gives you updated real time information not only about natural disasters, but also about wildfires and even just your daily commute to and from work! Thank you Mike W. for pointing out this information!

Be sure to stay aware of any flood waters that may pose a danger. Flooding after a hurricane or tropical storm can happen well after the storm has passed. If there are flood waters present, be very careful and try to avoid at all costs. Flood water as deep as 6 inches can sweep even a car away. If you come across flood water, turn around and find an alternate way to go. Be sure to stay on firm ground.

If you are out and about, be on the look out for injured people. If you do find someone, try your best to help them out but do not endanger your life while trying. If you can not help the person, call authorities and they will get either an ambulance, fire truck, or police to come assist. If a person is seriously injured, do not move the person unless there is immediate danger. Also help out your neighbors that may have special needs. If you have elderly neighbors or a family with an infant, stop in to see if they could use an extra help. Helping a neighbor can lead to a long friendship and the ability to know that you have helped someone.

Also, try to avoid disaster areas. There will most likely be rescue workers working in this area and if you get into the middle of it, it can slow them down or pose different threats.

Be sure to avoid loose or dangling power lines. These lines may still be live and if touched they may electrocute you. Also, a downed power line that is in a pool of water can possibly pose a shocking hazard even if you can not see the power line.

If you home or business is surrounded by water, do not enter the premises. Flood waters can cause foundations to sink, walls to crack, and walls to collapse.

When you do enter your home or business, be very careful and make sure you do an inspection of every area. Make sure to have a flashlight to use while inspecting the area. Be sure to check the walls, floors, doors, staircases and windows to make sure that the building is in good shape and not in danger of collapsing. Check the floors and foundations for cracks or other damages. Check for fire hazards, and gas leaks. Check all your electrical outlets and other wiring for damage or standing water. If you suspect a gas leak be sure to open a window and immediately leave the house. If you can turn off the gas with an outside valve safely, do that and immediately go somewhere to call for help. Check for sewage and water line damage and report to the appropriate department if needed.

After all the main things have been check, open your windows if there is inside water damage. This will start the process of drying out your items. While doing clean up after the storm, also be on the look out for snakes and other animals that the storm may have disturbed.

Also be sure to check all your food for spoilage especially if there was a power failure. Also avoid using the tap water for drinking or food preparation until it has been deemed safe.

This article covers the basics of what you should do after a hurricane. There of course is a lot more time and effort that you have to put in to get your life back together after the devastation. Hopefully this article will help you with remembering what to do during this time of uncertainity.