How to Minimize an Ugly Situation When a Hurricane Hits
When hurricanes strike, the lives and property of thousands are put at risk. How well you fare depends not only upon the strength of the storm, but also on how well you prepare. According to the Department of Homeland Security, there are several steps you can take before, during and after a hurricane.
Before A Hurricane
For any major storm, the best advice is to evacuate to a place of safety. If you decide to remain in your home during lesser storms, these tips can help ensure your safety and comfort:
- 1-2 days before the storm, make sure you’re well stocked with water, canned foods, fuel, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cell phone charger, cash and first aid supplies.
- Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power.
- Make sure friends or family know where you are waiting out the storm.
- Close storm shutters before the winds arrive.
- Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only if necessary. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
- Conserve your cellphone power by using it as little as possible. If electricity is lost, your cell phone or a battery-powered radio can keep you informed.
During A Hurricane
During the storm, your primary concern should be safety:
- Unless extreme water levels are imminent, stay inside your home.
- Keep away from windows.
- Do not attempt to walk or drive through high water. 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 12 inches of rapidly moving water can sweep cars away.
- Wait for the storm to fully subside before leaving your home.
After A Hurricane
After a storm, there may be a lot of work to do. These items should be among your top priorities:
- Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
- Let family and friends know your status.
- If you’re away from your house, do not return until authorities say it’s safe.
- Watch out for debris and downed power lines. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Photograph and document the damage to your property for insurance claims.
- Act fast to prevent further damage to your property: Put tarps on damaged roofs, cover broken windows, remove any debris that is inside your property, and begin drying or airing out your home if it has sustained water damage.
Hopefully your house survives the storm intact. But for those who sustain serious damage, there are options. We Buy Ugly Houses® has been helping people get out of ugly situations since 1996. We buy houses as-is, with a cash buyout and no hidden fees or commissions. We make it easy for you to move forward as quickly as possible. To get the cash you need for a fresh start, contact We Buy Ugly Houses today to learn more.
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