While we’re accustomed to heeding warnings leading up to a hurricane and most of us do our part to protect our property and families before and during a storm by checking off the items on our hurricane checklist and packing our emergency hurricane go-bag, it can be easy to let the importance of taking safety precautions after a storm slide in our haste to get back to our homes. But taking precautionary measures in the aftermath of a hurricane is just as important for your safety, even if the winds and rains have passed.
10 Quick Tips for Staying Safe After a Hurricane
- Don’t return to your property until authorities have declared it safe to do. Stay tuned to local news stations for important announcements and instructions.
- Avoid driving through flooded areas and steer clear of downed power lines and anything that is in contact with power lines, including water or puddles near downed power lines.
- Report any dangerous situations you encounter, such as broken gas or water mains, downed power lines, overturned gas tanks, or wild or stray animals.
- Take caution when entering a damaged building. If the building has been flooded, keep the electricity turned off until a professional has had a chance to inspect it. Do not use matches until all gas lines have been checked for leaks.
- Wear protective gear and clothing like sturdy shoes, goggles, breathing masks, and work gloves to avoid exposure to harmful materials.
- Be cautious of airborne and waterborne illnesses and contaminations. Consider wearing a protective mask and insect repellant.
- Document damage with thorough photo and video footage. In addition to photos and video, it’s also helpful to start creating an inventory of your damaged property. Put together a list of the damaged items by including a description of the item, the name of the manufacturer, brand name, and any other pertinent information you have about the item.
- Protect your property from further damage by boarding up broken windows.
- Maintain accurate records of your expenses and save all receipts and bills from any temporary repairs you make on your property.
- Call Silverberg Brito, PLLC promptly to discuss your damage and report your claim to your insurance company.
In the aftermath of a hurricane, it can be easy to let emotions take over. Prepare yourself ahead of time and use a common-sense approach towards safety when returning to your home. While overwhelming and scary, at Silverberg | Brito, PLLC, we are here to help get you and your property back on the road to recovery as quickly as possible and with a full and fair insurance claim payout for your damage. Get in touch for a free case evaluation.
