ST. PETERSBURG, FL--(Marketwired - September 08, 2015) - The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 each year, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Red Cross recommend you and your family plan in advance for how you’ll weather a hurricane-related emergency.
In advance of hurricane season:
- Build an emergency kit
- Make a family communications plan
- Know your surroundings and whether your property is flood-prone
- Identify levees and dams in your area
- Figure out at least two evacuation routes
To secure your property:
- Cover the windows in your home (and keep in mind that tape will not prevent a window from breaking)
- Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten roof to frame structure
- Trim trees and shrubs around your home to make them more wind resistant
- Clean rain gutters
- Reinforce garage doors (if any)
- Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, and anything not tied down
- Secure your boat (if you have one)
Before a hurricane hits:
- Charge your phone and other portable electronic devices
- Fill bathtub(s) and other large containers with water
- Buy a 3-5 day supply of drinking water
- Buy non-perishable food
- Have on-hand battery-powered flashlights
During a hurricane:
- Listen to the radio or television for current information
- Turn off utilities, if instructed to do so; if not, set refrigerator thermostat to coldest setting and keep refrigerator doors closed
- Turn off propane tanks
- Avoid using phone, unless an emergency (and be sure you’ve fully charged all electronic devices in the event of a power outage)
After a hurricane:
- Listen to the radio or television for current information
- Drive only if necessary
- Avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges
- Stay off streets, but if you must go out, be aware of fallen objects and downed electrical wires
- Notify power company of any loose, dangling, or downed electrical wires
- Inspect the outside of your home for damage and loose power lines and gas leaks
Contact Information:
For businesses looking to learn more about FEMA contracts, visit
FEMAContracts.com
or
call 877-252-2700 ext. 1