Water and Fire Disaster Planning Tips

Disaster Planning Tips In Bradenton

Living in Sarasota, Bradenton or any area in Central Florida means having a disaster preparedness plan. As Floridians, we’re all aware of the imminent threat severe weather poses and, as a result of that threat, it’s crucial that we all have a plan in place of things we need to do in case of hurricanes, floods and tornados. One of the most important things you can do is to make sure that you’re properly insured. Pay close attention to the language of each of your insurance policies so that you know you’re fully covered for every event that can possibly arise (and within your budget, of course).

Flood Planning Tips: What To Do Before A Flood Happens In Sarasota

Even if you think you live in a community with a low risk of flooding, always remember that anywhere it rains, there’s a potential for flooding. Flood risk isn’t just based on history; it’s also based on a number of factors including rainfall , topography, flood-control measures, river-flow and tidal-surge data, and changes due to new construction and development.

• Consider an emergency kit. Kits can include items like water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation. Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both. Flashlight and extra batteries. First aid kit. Whistle to signal for help. Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place. Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation. Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. Manual can opener for food. Local maps. Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger.
• Make a family communications plan.
• Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
• Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
• Consider installing “check valves” to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
• If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building.

Disaster Planning: Hurricanes In Longboat Key

You should strongly consider the same sort of plan for hurricanes. Emergency kits are extremely useful. Remember not to put off gathering contents for your kits because there are supplies rushes at stores immediately before a hurricane, so whenever and wherever possible, stockpile a small amount of supplies that will last before the threat of the storm arises. Ready.gov recommends the following hurricane disaster planning tips:

• Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.
• Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.
• Make plans to secure your property: Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
• Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
• Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.

We at Accutech can’t reiterate enough the value of a disaster readiness plan for any emergency. If you are the victim of flooding or storm damage, call Accutech immediately for prompt, professional and expert water and mold remediation for the health and safety of your family.

Frequently Asked Questions