Emergency Property Repairs & Restoration in Houston
It was 5 years ago that Hurricane Harvey left a wake of destruction in Houston, Texas. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared for storms and other weather events so you can protect your home or business from major damage! We have compiled an easy-to read hurricane preparation guide with helpful tips on how best prepare yourself during these times. In addition, what items should come standard at any shelter if there is ever going be an emergency situation lasting more than three days.
The 2022 Hurricane Season
The 2022 hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted that this year will be above average for hurricanes. This is because several factors contribute to their formation. For example, La Niña conditions which cause warmer sea surface temperatures in certain areas. For the 2022 hurricane season, NOAA is forecasting a likely range of 14 to 21 named storms.
What To Do Before A Hurricane Strikes
Create A Hurricane Preparation Supply Kit
When preparing for the worst, it’s better to be overprepared than under-equipped. Even if you aren’t in a direct path of hurricane damage, consider keeping an emergency supply kit around. As a result, having these items on hand will help bring peace of mind during the disaster.
Here’s a list of essential hurricane supplies you should include in your kit:
- Flashlights & Extra Bulbs
- Battery Operated Radio
- Battery Operated Lanterns
- First Aid Kit
- Household Tools
- Rain Gear
- Portable Phone Chargers
- Important Documents (in case of evacuations)
- COVID-19 Masks
- Medications
- Extra Cash
- Food & Water (This may include canned foods, bottled water, pet food, bottled juice)
- Manual Can Opener
- Extra Batteries (Various Sizes)
- Blankets & Sheets
- Heavy Duty Working Gloves
- Clean Clothes
- Toiletries (Toothbrush, Toothpaste, etc.)
Home Hurricane Preparation
The best way to protect your home during a hurricane is by making sure it has storm shutters and windows. This is important for your hurricane preparation. Make sure you have everything boarded up to prevent broken windows. In addition, trees and branches will fall. Therefore, trimming overgrown limbs will protect your home and auto(s) should those pesky trees fall on top of them.
Here are a few to-do home preparation tips before the storm:
- Remove Outdoor Items & Furniture
- Trim Tree Branches
- Board Up Windows
- Fill Up Your Gas Tanks
- Unplug Electronic Devices
- Move Furniture Away From Windows
- Clean Drainage Areas
Windows, doors and other weak spots in your home should be evaluated before hurricane season. For example, walls with water damage, floors with missing patches and exposed drywall and ceilings with cracks due to heavy winds causing pressure on them after a storm has passed. Anything that might make it easier for wind gusts to enter into everything inside.
Stay Up To Date With Local News
The best way to stay safe during a hurricane is by staying informed. Emergency officials will release more information as it becomes available. Therefore, keeping an eye on local news reports or tune into emergency radio stations for updates about your area’s call for evacuation. In addition, it’s good to follow local news social media like KPRC, KHOU, KTRK or KRIV Houston. And, download their apps to your phone if available.
What To Do During The Hurricane Storm
Stay Put In Shelter At Your Home
If you find yourself in the path of a hurricane, it’s important to stay put and ride out the storm in your home or other shelter. This doesn’t mean you should sit idly by, however. There are a few things you should do to stay safe as the hurricane passes. First, keep tabs on the weather by monitoring your phone or a battery-operated radio. This will help you stay updated on the latest forecast and any changes in the hurricane’s path. Second, check in with family and friends using your cell phone. This will help everyone know you’re safe and give them peace of mind. However, make sure to conserve your phone’s battery so you don’t run out of power. Lastly, stay calm and ride out the storm. With some careful preparation, you can safely weather any hurricane.
Evacuate If Needed
If you live in an area that is hurricane-prone, it is important to be aware of what to do in the event of an evacuation order. The first step is to take action immediately and begin preparing to leave. Make sure to gather essential items such as medication, food, water, and important documents. You should also pack a change of clothes and any essentials that you or your family might need. Once you have everything together, it is time to evacuate. Make sure to follow the routes and instructions that have been laid out by local authorities. These routes have been designed to avoid traffic congestion and get people to safety as quickly as possible. Remember, during a hurricane evacuation, time is of the essence. So make sure to heed the evacuation orders and get to safety as soon as possible.
What To Do After A Hurricane Passes
After a storm, there are steps you should take to make sure your family is safe. You may be excited that the danger has passed. However, hazards such as downed power lines and high waters still exist. Therefore, it’s important to not only physically prepare for these events but also mentally by knowing what else could go wrong. As a result, this can minimize the impact on those around us during emergencies.
Stay Safe
You should always wait for authorities before stepping outside during a storm. Make sure that everything is clear and the area has been declared safe. Otherwise, you may get caught in an unfortunate incident. In addition, be sure to check in with your family and friends via social media or phone calls. Make sure everyone is good and reassure them that your family is safe.
Reporting Hazards In Your Area
In the aftermath of a hurricane, it is important to survey the area for any hazards that may pose a danger to you and your belongings. For example, downed power lines, ruptured gas lines, broken water mains, overturned gas tanks, contaminated water, or damaged structures can all create dangers in the wake of the storm. If any of these hazards are present in your area, it is important to report them as soon as possible.
Flood waters can also pose problems; even if the water appears calm, there may be hazardous debris lurking beneath the surface. In addition, downed power lines can electrically charge flood waters, leading to a risk of electrocution. Therefore, by being vigilant and reporting any hazards you come across, you can help create a safe environment for yourself and your community in the aftermath of a hurricane.
Houston Hurricane Damage Restoration
Bionic Emergency Services is trained, equipped, and ready to repair and clean your home or business after a hurricane. Bionic can handle any size restoration job in Houston. This includes a single room in a home to an entire commercial facility. Our technicians receive extensive training and have state of the art equipment and technology. Therefore, being able to locate the water’s source, extract water from your property and thoroughly dry water from every corner. In addition, Bionic offers a variety of services to help you recover from the effects of a hurricane, such as mold remediation, structural repairs, and content cleaning. So if you’re in the aftermath of a hurricane, don’t hesitate to call Bionic Emergency Services. We’re here to help you get back on your feet.
