After a Florida Storm Safety Tips

7/1/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to get your home back to pre-storm condition as quickly and efficiently as possible!

From serious thunderstorms to hurricanes and everything in between, South Florida homeowners must be prepared for the worst during the summer months. When it comes to rainy season and hurricane season in Florida, most people focus on preparations before a storm strikes. While this is critically important for home protection, attention must also be paid to what to do after a Florida storm. It goes without saying that keeping you and your family safe is the number one priority before, during, and after a storm. After a serious storm hits and you’ve make sure that your family is safe, thinking about what steps to take from there on out is important.

Assessing the damage to your home must be done extremely carefully, as things may have shifted during the storm and are potential hazards. Keep the following tips in mind for what to do after a Florida storm:

• Listen to your local news via radio or television as well as the NOAA Weather Radio for important instructions and/or announcements
• If you had evacuated, do not re-enter your home until your area has been declared safe
• Do not drive into any flooded areas
• Do not drive through barricaded or closed roads
• Only stand on firm ground, avoid any areas with moving water
• Carefully check your appliances, water, gas, and electrical lines for any damages
• Do not consume any food or beverage unless you are sure that it is not contaminated
• Use flashlights for light while inspecting your damage, never use open flames of any kind
• Avoid using the telephone unless you are reporting a life-threatening emergency, keeping the phone lines open is important
• Do not use your generators indoors
• Make sure any electrical items are completely dry before turning them on
• Keep your pets under close watch
• Report any downed power lines
• Help people in your community who need is (especially the elderly or those with special needs)

Once you and your family feel safe and secure, it is a good idea to take photographs or videos of your home and the surrounding areas. Documenting the damage and recording losses is a good idea for both inside and outside of your home. In addition, be hyper-aware of waterborne bacterial contaminations, these are common after major storms and can be a major health threat. The final step in what to do after a storm is to contact your local storm damage cleanup and restoration professionals. SERVPRO is here to get your home back to pre-storm condition as quickly and efficiently as possible!