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Interesting Information all HomeOwners should know

Hurricane Facts

A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is the threat of hurricane conditions within 36 hours.
Don't walk or drive through a flooded area. The average person can be swept off their feet in six inches of moving water. The average car can be swept off the road in 12 inches of moving water. Many automobiles will float in just two feet of water.

A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 mph or great) are expected in 24 hours or less.
With hours of continuous rainfall, flooding can occur in almost any area. Heavy rains from a hurricane can cause flooding hundreds of miles from the coast, endangering lives, property and homes, even if the winds have significantly diminished. A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is the threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.

Before Hurricane Season Begins

Have a stockpile of emergency supplies on hand (prescription medicines, drinking water, canned goods, non-perishable foods, manual can opener, flashlights, batteries, candles, first aid kit, matches in waterproof containers, portable radio, etc.) Plan for three-to-five days without utilities and without any outside aid.
Plan for food and water for pets too.
At the first hint of a threatening storm, top off automobile gas tanks.
Develop an emergency communication plan in case you're separated from family and friends.
If you live near the coast, know your evacuation zone and evacuation route.
If you plan to stay in a shelter, make provisions for your pets because many shelters cannot accommodate pets.
Hurricane shutters that have been tested and certified offer the best protection for your home and property. While not as effective, affixing plywood over all of your home's openings will provide some level of increased protection. The thicker the plywood the better. Secure the plywood with nails or screws placed at least every 18 inches along the edges of the sheets of plywood.

Trim tree branches that appear to be weak or dead, particularly if they extend over the house. Your safety is important, it may be best to hire a professional tree trimmer or arborist.
Have a written, video or photographic inventory of your possessions stored in a safe place away from your home. If your home is damaged an inventory will be invaluable in settling the claim.
Review your homeowners insurance to ensure the limit is adequate to rebuild your entire home. Fierce hurricane winds and the tornadoes that can be spawned from a hurricane place every home in jeopardy.
Flooding, including tidal or storm surge caused by a hurricane, is not covered by your Homeowners or Wind-Only Policy. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program and is sold by your agent. You can assess your exposure to a flood loss at the FEMA web site: www.floodsmart.gov. Just because your mortgage company did not require Flood Insurance does not mean you are not at risk.

After The Hurricane

If you evacuated, return to your neighborhood only after authorities say it is safe to do so. Do not drive through standing water to get home. Exercise care in driving over roads littered with debris.
Before entering your home, make an inspection of the outside. If you discover downed power lines or a gas leak report them immediately to your utility company, police or fire department.
If your yard is still flooded it may not be safe to enter your home because sometimes snakes, insects and animals may have come inside for refuge and may not have left yet.
When you do enter your home, be careful. The ceiling may be damaged and in danger of falling.
If there has been water intrusion, open windows and doors to ventilate and begin drying out your home.

If power is lost, turn off breakers for major appliances and electronic devices in the event of a power surge when electricity is restored.
If you discover a gas leak open a window, step outside the home and call the gas company.
Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage from occurring to your home and property. Save your receipts for these temporary repairs, they may be reimbursable under your policy.
Take pictures of the damage - inside and out. You may need it for your insurance company.

Weathering a Hurricane

Hurricanes aren't strangers to Floridians. Knowing what to do can make the difference when it comes to protecting yourself and your home.

During A Hurricane Watch And Warning

Pay close attention to progress reports.
Put your hurricane shutters in place. If you are using corrugated steel or plywood panels, make sure you budget enough time to secure all of the panels.
Check emergency supplies, make sure you have full tanks of gas in your vehicles and review your communication and evacuation plans.
Bring outdoor furniture inside or submerge it in your pool. Anchor other outdoor items that can't be brought inside.

Set your freezer and refrigerator at the coldest setting in case you lose power.
If you're along the coast, or in an area that floods with heavy rains, elevate your furniture to protect it.
Back up computer files. Store computer disks, portable drives, items of value and important papers in watertight containers at the highest level of your home. Your dishwasher is watertight and may also be used to protect small, important items.
If evacuation is necessary, unplug appliances, turn off electricity, gas and the main water valve and leave as quickly as possible.

The Top 3 Hurricane Protection Myths

(And why believing them can be dangerous)

Gearing up for hurricane season can often mean well-intentioned friends and relatives will provide you with their own tips and advice.

The Institute for Business & Home Safety wants to help residents in vulnerable states avoid some potentially dangerous ideas, by identifying The Top Three Hurricane Protection Myths.

Open the windows so the air pressure doesn't explode the house.
This would not only be unsafe for you and your home, but it would also allow wind-driven rain to stream through your house and ruin belongings. The normal leakage of air around windows and doors will tend to keep the pressure in your house slightly lower than the atmospheric pressure caused by the storm outside. The greatest danger comes when a large window or door fails on a wall facing the wind. The key is keeping all wind and water out with proper opening protection.
You only need to protect the openings facing the ocean or gulf.
Because hurricanes are a moving, rotating storm, winds can come from any direction, which can change rapidly if you are near the eye. Your best bet is to protect windows and doors on all sides of your home.
You should tape windows with a big "X".
Taping glass does nothing to address the main point of protection - keeping the glass in its frame and securely attached to the home.

Remember - never lean or push against a window or door that is being blown inward by wind pressure. And no matter what kind of glass you have, stay away from all windows during a severe storm.