Blown Away in Alameda
Photo by Tom Brandt
Hurricanes are frightening events. High winds and driving rains can bring flying debris and flooding, causing widespread damage. Prevention is much easier than recovery. Taking steps ahead of time to ensure the safety of your family and home can make a big difference after the storm.
The first step in hurricane preparedness is to create a family disaster plan. Understand the risks your family faces based on the location of your home, the type of construction, and the likelihood of a strong storm sweeping through your area. Since Alameda is an island, storm surges are a concern. If you are near the coast, you should take precautions against flooding. Understand the safest places to be in your home during a hurricane or other natural disaster, and make your family aware of these “safe zones”.
If evacuation should become necessary, it is helpful to have several alternative evacuation routes planned, in case roadways are blocked by debris or fallen trees. It’s best to discuss ahead of time where the family will meet if they are separated- for example, if someone is at work or school when the storm hits. Having an out-of-state friend as a family contact is also a good idea, so that one unaffected person can provide a place for all the family members to contact if they can’t reach one another. Be sure to include pets in your evacuation plans. Most emergency shelters for humans don’t allow pets. Be sure to research hotels in the area that will allow pets, or contact your local animal control to discuss options for your pets in case of an emergency.
Remember that your homeowner’s insurance is unlikely to cover flood damage. Being familiar with your plan and coverage ahead of time can prevent nasty shocks after a storm. If you are in an area where flooding may be an issue, consider looking into the National Flood Insurance Program. Keep a list of emergency numbers, including your insurance company, doctors, hospitals and any other important services as part of your emergency preparedness kit.
Protecting your home from hurricane damage goes beyond having sufficient insurance coverage. Adding straps or clips to reinforce your roof can help reduce structural damage. Permanently installed hurricane shutters are an investment that will protect your windows and your home, but 5/8 inch marine-grade plywood, cut to fit, will work as well. Doors can be reinforced with the addition of head and foot bolts. Be sure deadbolts extend further than one inch into the frame for maximum effectiveness. Garage doors can be reinforced with retrofitting kits available from your local hardware store. Don’t forget to bring in yard furniture, trash cans, and anything else lying loose around your home, to avoid having objects become projectile debris in high winds. Hurricanes and other natural disasters don’t have to be tragic. Preparedness is the key to surviving the worst Mother Nature has to offer.