Planning for storms can be stressful, planning for storms in a coastal town even more so —but there are tips that ready.gov offers on their website that can help you prepare.
Preparing your home:
• Before hurricane season, trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
• Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
• Reduce property damage by retrofitting to secure and reinforce the roof, windows and doors, including the garage doors.
• Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.
Here are some specific tips for those living in high rises:
• Note where the closest emergency exit is.
• Be sure you know another way out in case your first choice is blocked.
• Face away from windows and glass.
• Move away from exterior walls.
• Determine if you should stay put, "shelter-in-place" or get away.
• Do not use elevators.
What to do when a hurricane is imminent:
• If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.
• Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows.
• Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer.
• Charge your cell phone so you will have full power in case of power outage.
• Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Lauren Bunting is a licensed Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, MD.
Lauren Bunting is a Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.
