What To Do After a Hurricane
The Aftermath of a Hurricane
Sandy has shaken up much of the East coast the past couple of days. Millions have lost power, and thousands of homes have been flooded. Many people may have chosen to stay put and wait out the storm while others evacuated. Either way, returning home and cleaning your property can be enormous after a hurricane.
When Hurricane Sandy happened in Manhattan and New Jersey, ConEd decided it was best to shut power off for most of the day. The Wall Street Journal explains, “The state of New Jersey, where Sandy made landfall Monday night, suffered the brunt of the power outages. More than 60% of the state’s customers—or nearly 2.4 million—reported outages, and millions more in New York and Pennsylvania are also living without power, according to the department.”
These power outages can cause more significant problems by preventing sub-pumps from extracting water and stopping furnaces during cold nights. Unfortunately, Sandy’s high winds and rainfall blew through in the night, causing extensive damage. By morning, lower Manhattan and the Jersey Shore are still underwater. ConEd said it could be hours to days until particular residents receive their power back.
What To Do After a Hurricane
Once the storm has weathered, there are certain things you should be mindful of when returning home. Although every hurricane is different, and your specific circumstances will likely differ from those described here, these guidelines should provide you with an idea of what to do after a hurricane. Following this advice can help you create your own unique plan that takes into account your needs, skills, and the location where you live.
- Find out if local authorities have deemed your neighborhood safe. This includes water levels, downed trees, downed electrical lines and road damage.
- Make sure you are prepared to clean. Arrive during daylight in case the power is still out. Account for all family members and any neighbors you’re keeping in contact with. Working in groups can rebuild your neighborhood faster.
- Even if your neighborhood is declared safe, continue to drive with caution. Tree branches and flooded areas are most likely an issue. Take caution in these hazards.
- Keep in mind driving through water can be very dangerous as well. If the water is deep enough, your car may become stalled, thus leaving you stranded. Follow up on Hurricane Safety Tips for more information.
- Remember always to be aware. Nearby bystanders may not know of downed electrical lines, keep everyone informed and help each other out.
- If your home is flooded, make sure to contact flood professionals to ensure your home is safe to stay in. Even minimal water damage can cause mold and corrosion just a couple of days after the flood.
- If you have any inclination that there are frayed wires or smell of burning, turn off the electricity immediately.
- This goes for your gas as well. Depending on the damage to your home, gas lines may be leaking; turn the gas off immediately.
- Keep in mind all electrical equipment and appliances should not be used until completely dry. This will avoid shock and bodily injury.
Returning home after a hurricane can be very stressful. These few tips should be kept in mind in case of emergencies.
If your home or property has been affected by Hurricane Sandy or other natural disasters, find a local restoration company to help restore your life.
