Is Your Palm Bay Family Prepared for a Emergency?

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

When a hurricane is approaching, it can take out electricity, homes and businesses for weeks.

Is Your Family Prepared for a South Florida Emergency?

Are you a resident of South Florida? If you are, then you know how quickly hurricanes can hit – and the devastation they leave behind. SERVPRO of West Brevard, is a professional restoration company that is committed to bringing your home back to life after a disaster strikes. We’ve put together the top four tips that will help you get through South Florida’s risky hurricane season – and stay as safe as you can in the midst of a long hurricane season from June 1st to Nov 30th. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the hurricane season:

Tip #1: Create a Emergency Preparation Kit
As hurricanes approach Palm Bay, FL, it can take out electricity, homes and businesses for  weeks to months. You want to have at least a two-week supply of water for each person in your home. You also want enough non-perishable food to feed everyone in your home for at least two weeks. Put together a first aid kit as well in case anyone gets hurt. Your 911 response system may get knocked out, and you need to know how to triage.

Tip #2: Power Up in Expectation of Powering Down
Charge all your cell phones. By extra batteries to operate radios and flashlights or camping lighting, such as headlamps and lanterns. Try to avoid matches and candles, as this is just another way to cause a disaster, via a fire.

Tip #3: Settle on an Evacuation Plan
Make sure everyone in your family knows the plan for evacuating. Listen to officials. If you get separated, plan in advance of a safe place, you will meet. Develop a plan to get out of town and where will you go? Call friends and family who live far outside the hurricane's trajectory to make sure you can go to safe place. Stock up on gas in your car's tank and in gas-safe containers in case you can't find a gas station for many miles on your journey -- something that often happens when an extensive storm hits.

Tip #4: Board Up
If you do not have hurricane windows and doors, plan to protect your windows and doors with plywood from local home construction stores. Reinforce every vulnerable part of your house -- from door hinges to the roof. Professionals at your local home construction store can help you make the right decisions.

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.