When most people think "hurricane prevention," they only think about securing the roof and boarding up the windows and doors. Many people neglect the things that should be done inside the home.

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The Firm’s Bartow office is located in the Historic E.A. Law Building located just two blocks from the Polk County Courthouse.

7 Sure-Fire Tips to Prevent Hurricane Damage Inside Your Home

If you've read our article on hurricane prevention outside the home, you'll want to follow up by reading this report on seven things to do inside your home to minimize or prevent hurricane damage.

Check Smoke Alarms. Smoke alarms are often neglected when we think about hurricane preparation. But the U.S. Fire Administration reminds us that they can be a vital part of your preparation. In a disaster like a hurricane or a tornado, debris can cause gas lines to leak and electrical lines to sever. Also, large pools of water can become electrically charged and ignite. Having a working smoke alarm immediately alerts you to danger in another part of the house while you're hiding in a safe spot.

Unplug Electronics. Anything electical - TVs, computers, refridgerators, etc - can pose a risk of fire as the storm approaches. Large pools of water can meet with the plug and outlet and ignite. During the hurricane, you should use only battery-operated machinery.

Boil and Store Water Beforehand. Having a supply of clean water can be vital to your survival, as we saw with Hurricane Katrina. By storing water before a hurricane, you will be able to drink, cook, and clean if the water is shut off before or after the storm hits. Also, if your city's water supply becomes contaminated as a result of the hurricane, boiling the water can sanitize it before drinking.

Check Your Survival Kit. Your family survival kit should include cash, a generator, batteries, flash lights, some clothes, a cooler, can openers, canned goods, over-the-counter medicines, candles, and bottled water. For a checklist, click here.

Clear Loose Items from Windows and Doors. During a hurricane, if your shutters or plywood gives way, household items can be instantly transformed into deadly projectiles. You should move all lamps, picture frames, and other trinkets away from windows and doors.

Keep Valuables and Electronics Up High. If the security around your windows fails and your home floods, you'll want to make sure that your valuables and electrical items have been lifted off the floor. Computers and their power cords are important considerations. As are any important documents kept in safes that may be bolted to the floor.

Put Towels Near Doors and Windows. Again, if your window and door securities are breached by water, you'll want to have towels around to soak the rain up and minimize damage done to your carpet and floorboards. Putting towels at the bottom of doorframes will absorb any excess water that may leak into your home and protect the floors. It will also prevent your home from succombing to mildew or mold later.

 

Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP
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