Preparing For Storm Season

Due to strong winds and flooding, Hurricanes are dangerous and can lead to major damage. Hurricanes are not only a coastal problem, but they also spread in the form of rain, winds, and tornados far inland.

It is important to have a plan in place in the event a storm occurs to protect you, your residents, and your residence. Always follow the instructions of local officials to stay updated and know when evacuation is recommended.

Below are some helpful tips to prepare for the storm season:

Making Your Plan:

Have a Variety of Ways to Stay in Contact and Up to Date

• Keep key contact information up to date and printed on a laminated sheet of paper for each resident to have in the event your cell phone loses power, or you become separated from your group (include essential information such as allergies or medical conditions).
• Watch local forecasts.
• Set up your mobile device to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts.
• Download the FEMA mobile app to receive real-time emergency alerts and locate emergency shelters in your area if needed.
  

Make Any Special Needs Accommodations

• Check with your local health department, police department, and state management agency for disability/special needs registration. Many local governments have a registry system that provides additional services and assistance that provides first responders in the event of an emergency.
  

Gather and Store Supplies in Airtight Easy-to-Carry containers in case of evacuation

• Water: One gallon per person daily (plan for several days).
• Food: Several days’ supply of nonperishable food items.
• First Aid: Well-supplied kit with any medications you may need.
• Light: Have a flashlight for each resident with extra batteries (DO NOT use candles).
• Contact: Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and limit use to preserve its battery – a battery backup is highly recommended.
• Tools: A small tool kit will help with minor repairs, or can turn off utilities.
• Money: Credit cards do not work in the event of power loss, so keep cash on hand.

Identify Multiple Locations You Could Go in the Event of an Evacuation

• Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.
• Identify multiple locations you could go to. Destinations should be in different directions to provide more options in the event a route closes. Check with local authorities for evacuation shelters in the area.
• Have a plan in the event of separation by setting up a meeting place.
• Gas pumps won’t work in the event of a power outage, so make sure your vehicle is fully fueled before the storm.
  

Elevate Items to Protect from Floods and Secure Outdoor Items to Avoid Injury

• Secure all outdoor items and move to an indoor location if possible. These items can become projectiles in high winds, so tie them down if they cannot be moved.
• Disconnect fuel tanks from outdoor grills.
• Elevate critical equipment and personnel belongings that floodwaters could damage.
• Reinforce windows and doors with shutters or plywood.
• Check gutters and storm drains to ensure they are clear of debris.
  

Photograph Property Before and After the Storm to Document any Damage

• If your property is damaged, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. 

• Document all damages with photos. If possible, take pictures of the inside and outside of your property prior to the storm.
• Wear protective equipment (gloves, goggles, rubber boots, mask) during clean-up to protect yourself from exposure to bacteria and mold
• Throw away any perishable food items that were exposed to flood waters or could have potentially been spoiled by power loss (In some instances, food items may be covered under insurance claims).
  

DOWNLOAD: 6 P's TO PREPARE FOR A WEATHER EMERGENCY

SCIOTO PROPERTIES CUSTOMERS

Be sure to include maintenance@scioto.com in all emails.

You can also call Scioto Properties at 1-800-930-2892 for assistance with claims and or damage reporting.

Additional information on Storm readiness can be found at:

Ready.gov

fema.gov

Noaa.gov

osha.gov

cdc.gov

*Primary source for provided information from www.ready.gov