As storm season is upon us, Larry Abbott of Abbott Contracting recommends you make any preparations that can minimize injury and property damage. Households, utilities, and businesses should plan for disaster before hurricane season starts, or make any possible preparations when a hurricane is predicted.
For storm preparation a basic emergency kit should include:
- Water- one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days
- Food – At least a three day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA weather radio
- Flashlights
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Manual can opener
- Garbage bags moist towelettes
- Pliers and wrenches to turn off utilities
- Dust mask
- Cell phone with chargers and backup battery
After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
- Replace expired items as needed
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
*Above information obtained by Ready.gov
More considerations:
If your drinking water is from a private well, know your state or local contacts for inspecting the safety your drinking water after a flood. Keep at least a 3-day drinking water supply per person -and don’t forget pets.
If your home is on a septic system, know who to call to have it inspected after a flood, before you use it.
Contractors need to use lead-safe work practices on emergency renovations on homes or buildings built before 1978. Activities such as sanding, cutting, and demolition can create lead-based paint hazards. Lead-contaminated dust is harmful to adults, particularly pregnant women, and children.
Know ahead of time where you would run a generator. Generator exhaust is toxic and can sicken or kill you. Always put generators outside well away from doors, windows, and vents. Never use a generator inside a home, basement, garage, crawlspace, tent, shed, or any other indoor or enclosed area. Carbon monoxide (CO) is deadly, can build up quickly, and linger for hours.
After the flood, remove standing water and dry indoor areas. Remove and Disasters can generate tons of debris, including building rubble, soil and sediments, green waste (e.g.., trees and shrubs), personal property, ash, and charred wood. Discard anything that has been wet for more than 24-48 hours.
Anyone working on demolition, removal, and cleanup of building debris need to be aware of any asbestos and how to handle asbestos materials properly. People exposed to asbestos dust can develop serious lung health problems including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Although the use of asbestos has dramatically decreased in recent years, it is still found in many residential and commercial buildings and can pose a serious health risk.
* Above info obtained by epa.gov
