Hurricane Season Tip #7

Posted on July 18, 2009 by Paul Seldes

After the Storm....what to do.

When you return to your home or business after a hurricane, there are a few simple rules to follow in order to stay safe.

First and foremost, if you have evacuated, do not return until local officials announce that it is safe to do so. Once you return, these simple rules can keep you safe.

  • Do not enter a building if you smell gas. Call 911. Do not light a match or turn on lights.
  • Wear waterproof boots and gloves to avoid floodwater touching your skin.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and clean water, or use a hand-cleaning gel with alcohol in it.
  • Avoid tetanus and other infections by getting medical attention for a dirty cut or deep puncture wound.
  • Do not touch fallen electrical wires. They may be live and could hurt or kill you.
  • Turn off the electrical power at the main source if there is standing water. Do not turn on power or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water
  • Stop and look both ways at all intersections. Drive slowly and keep space between you and other vehicles. Watch out for trash on the road.
  • Wear your seatbelt.
  • Listen to public announcements to find out if local tap water is safe for drinking, cooking, cleaning, or bathing. Until the water is safe, use bottled water or boil or disinfect water.
  • If a "boil water" advisory is in effect, do not drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth unless water has come to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute or is treated with unscented household chlorine bleach (add 1/4 teaspoon bleach to 1 gallon of cloudy water, 1/8 teaspoon bleach to 1 gallon of clear water).
  • Do not eat food that smells bad, looks bad, or has touched floodwater. When in doubt, throw food out.

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    Hurricane Season Tip #6

    Posted on July 10, 2009 by Paul Seldes

    Save your business! Get a COOP Plan!

     

    COOP, also called Business Continuity is an effort within individual organizations to ensure continuity of their essential
    functions across a wide range of events.

    • Today's changing threat environment and recent emergencies have increased the need for COOP
      capabilities and plans.
    • COOP planning is part of the fundamental mission of all Federal agencies.
    • COOP is a Federal initiative to ensure that Executive Branch departments and agencies can continue
      to perform their essential functions under a broad range of circumstances.
    • COOP is also "good business."

    Read more about a COOP Plan.

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    Hurricane Season Tip #5

    Posted on June 26, 2009 by Paul Seldes

    Backup your computer data and store the backups in a safe place.

     

    This is a simple task that too many people forget to do until it is too late. It is of greater importance when preparing for a hurricane to make sure all your business and important personal data is secured. You should have a computer backup plan year-round.

    Read on for an extremely import tip from ntb group!

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    Hurricane Season Tip #4

    Posted on June 19, 2009 by Paul Seldes

    Don't forget your TV!

    We've always said to be sure to have a portable, battery powered TV. How does the digital TV conversion change this?  Read more.

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    Hurricane Season Tip #3

    Posted on June 12, 2009 by Paul Seldes

    Stay Informed!

    The more you know, the safer and more prepared you will be. 

    Read more and be informed!

     

     

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    Hurricane Season Tip #2

    Posted on June 08, 2009 by Paul Seldes

    Storm Surge is deadly!

    If there is ANY chance that a storm surge can reach your home it is important that you evacuate. DO NOT TAKE A CHANCE.

    Stay with family or friends that live inland. The further away from the storm's path....the better. As a last resort go to an inland emergency shelter. Your local emergency management officials will provide  information about shelter locations.

    The following problems can result from storm surges:

    • make cars on the street or in low parking areas inaccessible and llikely total them
    • street flooding and debris will limit the movement of emergency vehicles.
    • power and utilities will be out
    • security and govenment services will be limited

    It is prudent to leave and leave early if you are in a risk area. Stay informed!

     

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    Hurricane Season Tip #1

    Posted on June 04, 2009 by Paul Seldes

    Plan!

    If you live within seventy-five miles of the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico, you need to have a hurricane plan.

    Once you are notified of a hurricane threat you must decide on when you will evacuate, and decide how you will take care of your family, your business, yourself and your home during and after the storm. 

    PLAN....PRACTICE

     

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