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| Develop a Preparedness Plan |
Work with your family to create a preparedness plan that meets your unique needs. Topics to address include: |
- Communication. How will your family members reconnect if separated in an emergency? Consider choosing an out-of-area contact person you can all check in with. Carry wallet-size cards with your contact’s name and phone number, so the information will always be handy.
- Assistance. Who can you turn to locally for help? Develop a network of neighbors, friends, family and coworkers who you can rely on in an emergency.
- Insurance. Is your property adequately insured against storm damage? Review your coverage annually, and take photos or video of your home and vehicles to document their condition and contents.
- Supplies. Does your family have an ample emergency supply of food, water and other essentials? Think about what you’ll need – and how you’ll store it. See our Disaster Kit Checklist for suggestions.
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| Safeguard Your Home |
| By taking steps to storm-proof your home, you’ll be protecting perhaps your biggest financial asset – as well as your family. Start by safeguarding your property’s most vulnerable areas: your roof, windows, doors, landscaping and pool. |
- Roof. Hire a professional to assess and repair any potential weak spots.
- Windows. If you have shutters, be sure they’re in good condition and you have the hardware necessary for proper installation. If you don’t have window protection, purchase storm-rated metal shutters, or cut plywood to fit. Do not use tape: it will not prevent your windows from breaking.
- Doors. Solid wood or hollow metal doors are best at resisting wind and air-borne debris. Garage doors should have steel bracing for maximum strength.
- Landscaping. Have a trained arborist trim and thin your trees regularly. Don’t remove branches once a storm warning has been issued: If they are not collected before the storm hits, they could become dangerous projectiles.
- Pool. When a storm warning is issued, add extra chlorine to the pool to help reduce the chance of contamination. Also turn off the power to your pump. While you may lower your water level by as much as 12 inches to reduce the chance of flooding, do not empty the pool completely.
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