Storm Damage Could Be on the Horizon in the Gulf Coast – How to Prepare

When it comes to dealing with storm damage of any kind, especially here along the Gulf Coast, being proactive is the key to protecting your family and home. In fact, being prepared can save lives. With all of the severe weather we see, from hailstorms to tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes, there are countless chances for storm damage to tear your life apart. We cannot let that happen. Besides preparing, you can also schedule 24-hour storm damage restoration to deal with the worst-case scenarios.

Create a Storm Safety Plan

Your first step in preparing for storm damage along the Gulf Coast is to prepare a storm safety plan. This plan is a written overview, involving everyone in your family, to ensure everyone understands where to go in the event of an emergency. You want an emergency meeting place, such as a landmark near your home, in case anyone is separated.

It’s also smart to assign a friend or relative to be an emergency contact – someone out of state would be ideal – in case you need to evacuate. Ensure all children know of the storm safety plan and who to call in the event they are lost.

Storm Preparedness Kit

Next, create a storm preparedness kit with the proper supplies and keep it nearby in the event you need to evacuate. Your emergency kit can be packed into backpacks or a duffel bag for easy transport. Just be sure it is readily available.

Your emergency preparedness kit should include:

• Three days of non-perishable food per person
• Water for at least three days per person
• List of emergency contact numbers
• Prescription and essential medications
• Flashlight
• NOAA weather radio
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
•  Credit cards and cash
• Important paperwork and identification
• Manual can opener

Protecting Your Home

Long before a storm is on the horizon, you’ll want to take steps to prepare your home accordingly. The terrible wind, rain, and debris caused by a storm can lead to countless types of damage in and around your home.

• Replace any gravel or rock landscaping with shredded bark, which is less likely to cause damage.
• Cut back any weak branches or trees that may collapse on the roof of the house.
• Invest in storm shutters to protect windows from breakage. In a pinch, plywood can be nailed to the window frame.
• All sliding glass doors in your home should be made of tempered glass.
• Your exterior doors should be hurricane proof, with at least three hinges and a deadbolt lock at least one inch in length.
• Replace old or broken garage doors and tracks to meet current wind pressure and impact protection guidelines.

If your home suffers from storm damage of any type, contact Restoration 1 of Gulf Coast for 24-hour storm recovery services at 228-231-9745.