Mid-August is here which means that we are now entering the most active part of hurricane season here in New York. We thought we’d give you a few tips on how to keep your family and your home safe.
Build an Emergency Kit! You should have enough supplies in your kit to last you for at least 72 hours if need be. Important things to include are water, non-perishable food, a battery powered or hand cranked radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, duct tape, garbage bags, a wrench or pliers, a manual can opener, local maps, and cell phones with chargers. If you do own a generator, make sure you have a good amount of gas for it. Make it a point to ensure that the supplies in your emergency kit are well stocked and fresh.
Create a Take Box! This box should include all important certificates and documentation. This is where you keep passports, insurance policies, mortgage information, house and car title, and birth, wedding, adoption, and death certificates. It’s also not a bad idea to think about making digital copies of these documents.
Prepare your home! Trim any trees that hang over your home, and be sure to clear loose or clogged rain gutters and downspouts. Permanent storm shutters offer great protection for windows, or you can choose to have your windows boarded up with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood. If you’re looking for a year round solution, try laminated glass with impact resistant glazing. Be sure to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down. Bring any cars, bikes, and scooters into the garage if possible. If you’re really concerned about flooding, move items that may be damaged by water to higher places in your home, especially if you will not be able to bring these items with you in the case of an evacuation.
Make a plan! Your family should agree on a place you can all meet in case you’re not together in the event of a disaster. Discuss a contact person (preferably one that lives in another state or area) that family members can call to let them know they are safe.
Remember! If a hurricane causes damage or flooding to your home, Peak Construction’s emergency response team is on call 24/7.
Photo Credit: Tom Bushey / Times Herald-Record