Summer Storm Checklist

Our area gets its share of severe weather. Being close to the coast, we're particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and high winds. While our team is often called in after a severe weather event to aid in home repairs, there are things you can do to improve the safety of your family and home before a storm hits.

• Be informed. Find out where the nearest shelter is and map out different routes you can take there from your home. Also, find the safest spots in your home during various natural disasters.
• Get organized. Keep a list of contact information for easy reference. Be sure to include police, fire, hospitals, utilities, local government, and your property insurance provider. Gather important documents into a central location so they can be grabbed quickly if needed.
• Create a supplies kit. Having a collection of emergency supplies on hand is a common best practice. Keep one in your home, at your workplace, and in your vehicle, and make sure your entire family knows where to find them. Your home kit should contain first aid supplies along with essential food and water for your entire family for at least three days. Consider purchasing a hand crank radio or NOAA weather radio. You can see a full list of recommended supplies here.
• Make an emergency plan. It's best to prepare for the unexpected as much as we can. Your plan should include how you will find family or friends during an emergency, where you will go if evacuated, what you will do without utilities, etc.
• Know how to turn off your utilities. During a severe storm or disaster, natural gas leaks and electrical sparks can cause fires, and water can become polluted. Every family member should know how to shut off all three utilities if they see flooding or downed lines. Include step-by-step directions in your emergency supply kit if needed.
• Prepare your home. When the weather takes a bad turn, move things like lawn furniture, grills, and propane tanks inside. Move cars into a garage if possible. Make sure your yard is clear of anything that could blow around during a storm. If you don't have storm shutters, keep enough plywood and nails on hand to cover windows and doors if needed. Lower your fridge temperature so that your food will stay fresh as long as possible if the power goes out.
• Stay aware of severe weather. Bookmark gov to get the latest forecast information. Follow your favorite local news station and the National Weather Service on social media, and sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts so that you're alerted to dangerous weather in real-time. When there's a chance of severe weather, keep your cell phone fully charged and your gas tank full!

Stay safe during severe weather. Property can be fixed, but your family's wellbeing is the most important thing. If a storm damages your home, our team of experts will get your heating, cooling, and plumbing fixed in no time!