It’s Hurricane Preparedness Week, and we at Mackie One want to make sure you are prepared! Hurricanes can be a terrifying thing to live through, but as long as you know what to do before the storm hits, you’ll be ready.
Hurricane season is fast approaching, and the time to prepare has never been more necessary. Last year, we saw a harsh hurricane season that devastated parts of the country. Experts predict another difficult season in 2021 and are encouraging people to prepare now before it hits.
Between making an inventory of items that might affect your survival if you’re forced to evacuate, understanding how hurricanes can make landfall near you, and learning tips for how to prep your home before the storm season arrives, it’s important that you have all the information that will help keep yourself safe this hurricane season.
1. Make sure you have a battery-powered radio and flashlight.
2. Keep your car’s gas tank full if evacuation routes are closed by flooding or other damage during a hurricane emergency and store water, food, medications, and other emergency supplies.
3. Secure belongings indoors if possible during storms by moving items from low ground.
4. Make sure you have enough cash on hand for any emergencies that may arise.
5. Find out if your school or workplace is closing early or shutting down for the day.
6. Stay informed about the storm’s progress by listening to local news or checking online sources such as The Weather Channel or AccuWeather.
7. If you are told to evacuate, do so quickly and calmly–don’t panic!
8. Check to see if there are any shelters open near you.
9. If possible, find someone who can stay with you during the storm.
10. Include your pets in your evacuation plans.
If a hurricane hits New Orleans
What to do when you return home
When you return home from your evacuation, it’s important to be thorough with safety. The most common post-hurricane injury is CO (carbon monoxide) poisoning from leaking appliances or open flame.
Once you’ve secured your home, clean up any debris that might have blown into your house during high winds or flooding. You don’t want mold growth on wet surfaces! If water has entered through entrances such as windows or doors (or bubbled up through floorboards), dry out all carpets, then cover them with plastic sheeting for around 24 hours while they air out.
If you suspect mold has grown on anything, contact your local health department and FEMA for further advice.
How to prepare for the aftermath of a hurricane
There is no way to know when a hurricane will hit or how severe the damage will be. If you live in New Orleans, be aware of the potential length of a power outage; having a backup generator, gas, or portable stove for cooking is a smart choice.
Tips on how to clean up after a storm has hit your area
After a storm has hit your area, the best thing to do is to clean up as soon as possible. This will help you avoid any potential health hazards from bacteria, mold, or other vermin that could have entered the space due to flooding. The following steps would be best for those who are starting:
Clean off all wet surfaces with water and soap
Disinfect all areas using bleach or ammonia
Remove anything in contact with floodwaters (rugs, mattresses)
Dry off the room by opening windows and fanning out moisture on walls
Contact a professional if any repairs are needed
When a hurricane hits New Orleans, it can be difficult to get back into your normal routine. After all of the stress and uncertainty that comes with recovering from such an event, you may find yourself struggling for any sense of normality in your life. But don’t worry-Mackie One is here to help! Add our contact information to your Hurricane Survival Kit and give us a call if you need professional services before or after a storm. We’ll do everything we can to give you peace of mind!
