Be Hurricane ready
Courtesy of Ralph's Tropical Weather
Preparing Outsideof Your Home Session: 4Install shutters and braces: Make sure you have all your clips, wing nuts, brackets or braces ready and at hand for the installation of your shutters before a storm WARNING is issued. This will help you to complete the job quicker, and give you plenty of time for other important jobs around the outside of your home.
Be Storm Smart!
Close ALL windows, and entry points: That old theory about leaving the opposite side windows of your home open to allow the wind to pass from one side of house to the other and relieve pressure build-up, is unwise and unsafe. The worst thing to do is to allow hurricane winds in your home. You will loose your roof if you do so. After all, this is why we are protecting our windows, and entry points.
Take down TV Dish, and Antenna: Make sure to unplug your TV and Cable equipment before removing these items. There is always the possibility that your antenna or dish cable could be electrically charged. Also make sure to WATCH OUT for POWERLINES that maybe near you while dismounting, and lowing the antenna or dish.
Bring in ALL objects that could blow away: If there are outside items that cannot be tied down and can be brought indoors, then do so. This will prevent them from becoming flying projectiles that could damage your home or neighbors.
Disconnect natural and propane gas tanks: Do this at the valve near the appliance, but don't turn off the main gas line.
Fill propane tanks prior to a storm WARNINGS: Barbecue propane tanks can be a great help for cooking outdoors after a storm. Make sure to secure and store them in a safe place outside of your home.
CAUTION: When using a barbecue DON'T open gas valve and pilot knobs while barbecue lid is closed. Gas will build up inside, and when you ignite a back flash could occur burning you severely. I have also seen the same back flash when the lid is open, the gas main to tank is wide open and the barbecue pilot knobs are fully set to high. Gas accumulates at the bottom, and when you ignite the flames it causes a violent back flash as well.
Have a working ABC Type fire extinguisher inside your home:You should never use open flames inside your home during a storm. However, it is always a good idea to have a working extinguisher available in case of fire.
Before using remember this acronym: P.A.S.S.
- Pull
- Aim
- Squeeze
- Sweep
Stay a safe distance from the flames, then pull the pin and always squeeze before approaching the flame to test the extinguisher, then you Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flames and not at the top. Then you squeeze while making a sweeping motion from side to side until flame is extinguished.
Fill your vehicles fuel tank: Do this when a storm WATCH is issued and avoid long lines at the gas station. Remember that gas pumps maybe disrupted for days due to power outages. And don't forget to fill your electric generator gas containers for use after the storm.
Where do I park my vehicles? Park your vehicles in a garage, carport, or the side of your house as close to the wall as possible and away from LARGE TREES or POWERLINES, if possible.
Do not trim tree limbs during a storm WATCH or WARNING: The trash WILL NOT be collected prior to storms arrival. Remember tree limbs could become dangerous flying projectiles.
