Safety, Tips

Staying Safe After a Storm

After a major weather event has hit your home such as a big storm or hurricane, one of your first instincts may be getting out there to repair some of the damage. However, your primary priority needs to be keeping yourself safe. So, let’s look in more detail at some of the main ways that you can do this.

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Listen to Instructions

If you can get access to media such as TV, radio or the internet, this should give you some clear advisories and any other instructions which you need to follow. You shouldn’t attempt to venture outside unless it has been officially declared safe that you can do so.

Avoid Any Obvious Dangers

When it is declared safe for you to venture outside, you need to be careful and avoid the most obvious dangers out there. For example, you should make a special effort to avoid any downed power lines, as well as any water or metal objects which happen to be nearby. You should also avoid entering any buildings which have sustained structural damages. Damaged trees with hanging branches also need to be avoided.

Be Careful If Driving

The first thing that you should remember is that you shouldn’t drive unless it is entirely necessary. But if you are going to get behind the wheel of your car, you need to be doubly alert of any potential hazards out there. You should also not attempt to drive along any flooded streets as you could end up getting stuck.

Take Caution Indoors

When you are undertaking any emergency restoration work which needs to be completed, you should take plenty of care. Don’t use candles or open flames indoors, and make sure that your fire extinguisher is in good working order. Test your alarms including the smoke and CO varieties. Before you attempt to run the taps or flush the toilet, make sure that the sewer system is working properly.

Cleaning Up After the Storm

Of course, cleaning up after a storm is a necessary job, but it is also one which can be dangerous if you don’t take proper precautions. You need to take extra caution if you are going to be climbing up any ladders or working on rooves. If you can, you should cover up any holes in the roof as quickly as possible to avoid any further damage arising. Pull up any rugs which have become wet, open up your windows, and run some fans to deal with any water damage which may have occurred indoors.

Deal with Insurance

If you have made all the proper insurance provisions, you should start by documenting any damage which has occurred with photos, videos, and a written inventory. Make sure that you are fully aware of what is covered and what isn’t in your policy. Get in contact with the company at the earliest possible opportunity to ensure that the claim that you are making is recognized early.  

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