Hurricanes of all sizes can be dangerous. No matter how serious the storm is, there are guidelines you should follow to stay safe at home. Here are some safety tips to remember during a hurricane:
If you aren't required to evacuate your home, the best place to be is inside and away from windows. Broken glass and flying debris are extremely common causes of injury in severe storms. Reinforcing your windows will help prevent them from breaking and causing more damage, but it's still important to keep a safe distance. Put as many windowless walls between you and the storm as possible by sheltering in an interior closet or bathroom.
There's a good chance your home will lose power during a hurricane, so have a battery-powered or hand-cranked portable radio to stay informed about the situation outside. This will give you a 24-hour connection to the National Weather Service for updates on the storm's path and severity. Stock up on some extra batteries as well so you can remain connected even if it takes days or more to regain power.
If your power hasn't gone out, there might still be situations where you should turn it off yourself. For example, if water gets inside your home either through a broken window or another leak, you should turn off your electricity immediately. Doing so will prevent possible power surges, electrical shocks and fires.
You should also familiarize yourself with how to turn off other sources like water and gas. Turning off your water main will prevent overflowing sinks, toilets and showers. Shutting off your gas will protect you from leaks and the hazards that come along with them.
These are just the basics of staying safe during a hurricane. Formulate a specific emergency plan with your household so you know exactly what to do to prepare and stay safe should a severe storm occur in your area.
An enthusiastic polo player, aviatrix and fourth generation member of one of the oldest winery families in the Napa Valley, Roberta has lived in the Bay Area her entire life. She has over thirty years of experience in buying, selling and managing real estate in the residential, investment and commercial markets. Not content to just “get the job done”, she wants to exceed your expectations. Roberta believes in service with commitment. Utilizing the kind of knowledge that is obtained only through extensive life experience and an in-depth understanding of the area and local market, she works with you to provide maximum results. During her accomplished career, Roberta has refined important skills in communication, negotiation, attention to detail and sound business practices, all of which are vital to the success of her clients today. Please call Roberta directly at 707.339.0233 to discuss your real estate needs.