September Tip of the Month:

Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season

Prepare your home your home for hurricane season with these easy tips:

• Test your sump pump to make sure it’s ready for any significant storms.
• Make sure all garage floor or driveway drains are flowing properly.
• Add copper sulfate to basement floor drain and downspout drains to control tree roots in main sewer.
• Check your homeowners/flood insurance policy to make sure they are up to date and coverage is sufficient.
• Prune your trees – broken, dead and damaged limbs can be torn from trees and become dangerous projectiles.
• Secure your outdoor items such as patio furniture, grills, etc.
• Secure any loose gutters or downspouts. Ensure they are all clear.
• Inspect your roof – nail or caulk any loose roof tiles or shingles (for more on maintaining your roof, click here).

Things to do if a hurricane is coming:

• Charge any device that provides light or communication. Laptops, tablets, cameras, video cameras, old phones, and external battery back ups. And then before the storm, unplug all electronics as there will be power surges during and after the storm.
• Wash all trash cans (big and small) with bleach to sterilize, line with trash bags, and fill with water for flushing toilets.
• Fill every tub and sink with water. Cover sinks with plastic wrap to keep it from collecting dust. Fill washing machine and leave lid up to store water.
• Fill old empty water bottles and other containers with water and keep near sinks for washing hands.
• Fill tupperware with water and store in freezer. These will help keep food cold longer and serve as a backup water supply.
• Fill drinking cups with water and cover with plastic wrap to use first before any water bottles are opened. It’s a good idea to be well hydrated before the storm hits and avoid salty foods that make you dehydrated.
• If you run out of water tap your hot water heater can have up to 30 gallons stored in there.
• Cook any meats or other perishable foods in advance and freeze. Hard boil eggs for snacks for first day without power.
• Place any important or necessary items in a backpack or small file box that is easy to grab. Include your wallet with ID, phone, hand sanitizer, snacks, etc. Get plastic sleeves for important documents.
• Make sure you have cash on hand.
• Stock up on pet food and fill up bowls of water for pets.
• Refill any medications. Most insurance companies allow for 2 emergency refills per year.
• Fill your propane tanks. You can heat soup cans, boil water, make coffee, and other stuff besides just grilling meat. Get an extra, if possible.
• Drop your A/C in advance and lower temperatures in your fridges.
• Gather all candles, flashlights, lighters, matches, batteries, and other items and keep them accessible.
• Pick your emergency safe place such as a closet under the stairs. Store the items you’ll need in that location for the brunt of the storm. Make a hand fan for when the power is out.
• Shower just before the storm is scheduled to hit.
• Wash all dirty clothes and bed sheets. Anything dirty will smell without the A/C, you may not be able to wash any items for days, and with no A/C you’ll be sweating a lot. 
• Toss out any expiring food, clean cat litter boxes, empty all trash cans in the house, including bathrooms. Remove anything that will cause an odor when the A/C is off. If you don’t have a trash day pickup before the storm, find a dumpster.
• Clean all counters in advance. Buy clorox wipes for cleaning when there is no power. Mop your floors and vacuum. If power is out for multiple days, you’ll have to live in the mess you started with.
• Run your dishwasher, don’t risk having dirty smelly dishes and you need every container for water! Remember you’ll need clean water for brushing your teeth, washing yourself, and cleaning your hands.
• Buy plastic cups and paper plates. You need water to wash dishes….
• Clean your environment so you have clear, easy escape routes. Even if that means temporarily moving furniture to one area.
• Keep baby wipes next to each toilet. Don’t flush them. It’s not the time to risk clogging your toilet! (Live by the saying if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down).
• Put a small suitcase in your car in case you decide to evacuate. Also put at least one jug of water in your car. It will still be there if you don’t evacuate! You don’t need to store all water in the house. Remember to pack for pets as well.
• Gas up your car and have a spare gas container for your generator or your car when you run out.
• If you can, take a video of your house and contents… walk room to room–open cabinets/drawers and closets. This will help if you need to make a claim later. It will show proof of items and help you list all the items (help your memory, so you don’t forget anything).
• If you do have to evacuate, place anything that you want to try and preserve, but you can’t take with you in your dishwasher, this should make it watertight in case of any water intrusion into your home. But of course, take all the important/irreplaceable items you can!

Most importantly, keep yourself and your family safe.

If you need any contractor recommendations to prepare your home for hurricane season, just let us know. We are always happy to help!

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