Hurricane Tracking Blog

Before a hurricane, here are some things you should from an electrical safety stand point - your hurricane checklist:

1. Trim and remove trees that could fall on power lines during strong winds.
2. Contact your power company for advice when trimming or removing trees that are close to power lines.
3. Have a licensed electrician check the service wire connection to your home to make sure it can withstand hurricane winds.
4. Stock up on battery-powered flashlights and batteries in case of power outages.
5. Ensure that family members know where the circuit breaker is located, just in case you need to turn off the power.
6. If you are installing a stand-by generator, get a licensed electrician to connect it to the main electric panel. A special switch is needed to ensure that the power from the generator does not “back feed” into power lines and potentially cause injuries.
7. If someone in your home depends on life-support equipment, and you do not have a stand-by generator, consider moving the individual to a special facility to avoid the effects of an extended power outage.
8. When a hurricane threatens, turn your refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings in order to ensure that the food lasts longer in the event of a power outage.

Monday, June 1 marked the beginning of the hurricane season. Dr. William Gray of the Tropical Meteorology Project is forecasting as many as 12 hurricanes for the 2009 hurricane season. With safety in mind, we look at the top 10 safety measures to take in preparation for the season.

1. Evacuate if you must
Evacuation orders are given for a reason. If you are told to leave, follow instructions, it is for your safety. The temptation is always there to stay in the familiarity of your own surrounding…but that decision could cost your life.

2. Secure important documents
Make sure you secure your important documents such as birth certificates, passports, diplomas, etc. Keep them all together in case you have to evacuate.

3. Have a hurricane kit
There are some ‘must leave’ items in case of a hurricane. Ensure that you stock up on supplies such as batteries, flashlights, battery operated-radios and other essential items.

4. Stay Inside
For some, it might be exciting to witness a hurricane, the temptation might be there to capture it on camera…but remember there may be flying objects and other dangers lurking, so just stay inside.

5. Secure your surroundings
If you have glass windows secure them by boarding them over before or tape to reduce flying glass in the event of breakage.

6. Stock up on water
Follow a hurricane, it generally takes days for water to be restored. Invest in a water tank or make sure you fill several large containers in case of the hurricane actually hit.

7. Invest in a generator
If a hurricane hits, chances are you will be without power for days. Have a back-up generator. Don’t wait until the event of a hurricane to buy one…be ready.

8. Know your emergency shelters
If you are living in a flood-prone area, ensure you know where to go in case of an emergency. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency normally issues a list of the various shelters…keep informed in case you will need to seek shelter.

9. Trim back branches from trees
Trim branches away from your home and cut all dead or weak branches on any trees on your property.

10. Insure your property
A lot of people don’t insure their properties, hoping that they will be okay in the event of a hurricane…but things don’t always turn out the way you want. Finance is a challenge but it will be worth to have your property covered…that will turn out cheaper in the long run.