Tips for the Upcoming Hurricane Season
At All Safe Technologies we sincerely care about your family's safety and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. So as the 2021 Hurricane season approaches, we have provided information below that we feel will be very beneficial to your family in the event we experience a powerful Hurricane this year. Please take the time to read this information and be prepared. Just as you take the time to prepare your home against theft and vandalism, please take the time to prepare your home and family against the power and destruction of a hurricane.
What to do BEFORE a power outage caused by a Hurricane:
Safety Checklist:
1. Have enough nonperishable food and water. Have a manual can opener.
2. Review the supplies that are available in case of no power.
3. Call All Safe Technologies to install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home. This is a must if you have a gas stove or heat but will also help if you are using a generator near your home.
4. Create a disaster prep kit for each member of your family to ensure their safety and comfort during a power outage. A basic kit should include bottled water, non-perishable food items, and battery-powered flashlights.
5. For peace of mind and no power interruption, consider purchasing a whole house generator. A whole house generator will automatically restore your power the moment it goes off. This will also ensure your home alarm and/or camera system remains functionally to protect your home from thieves during a natural disaster.
Convenience Checklist:
1. Stock up on batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out. Ensure you have extra batteries for your home alarm system to ensure maximum protection.
2. Take inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
3. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member.
4. Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.
5. Weather is the leading cause of power outages in the U.S. Sign up for local weather to stay up to date on potential power outages.
What to do DURING a power outage:
1. Stay away from any downed power lines or sparking equipment.
2. NEVER use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
3. Consider avoiding the use of candles. This is due to the fire risk. Use extreme caution if you must use candles. Consider using oil lamps instead.
4. Operate portable generators outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure you have Carbon Monoxide detectors installed in your home.
5. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
6. Use coolers with ice if necessary.
7. Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so you can know the temperature when the power outage is over.
8. Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme.
Protecting your electronic devices:
Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary "surges" or "spikes" that can cause damage.
What to do AFTER a power outage:
1. Throw away any food that might be risky to consume. This includes food that has remained at temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more. Throw away food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.
2. If the power is out for more than a day, consider discarding selected medication. This includes medication that needed refrigeration unless the drug's label says otherwise. If a life depends on the refrigerated drug, consult a doctor or pharmacist BEFORE the storm arrives to ensure you know what to do.
Other important things to consider living in a disaster-prone area:
1. Check your insurance policy. Some traditional homeowner policies don't cover disasters like flooding and lightning strikes.
2. Find out if you're in a flood zone. Check the FEMA website to ensure your zoning has not changed. If so, take immediate steps to get flood insurance. Some policies typically take 30 days to go into effect.
3. Prepare a disaster kit for each member of your household. This includes children and pets. A basic emergency prep kit should include bottled water, non-perishable food, batteries, and a flashlight.
4. Keep a mini prep kit in your child's backpack.
5. Keep additional supplies in your car in case if you need to evacuate with short notice.
6. Severe weather and power outages often come together. In fact, severe weather is the leading-cause of power-outages in the U.S. Have a plan for backup power. This is to ensure vital medical equipment and appliances like sump pumps stay on during a power outage.
Pet Preparedness:
1. Keep a photo of you and your pet together to prove ownership.
2. Have your pets' vaccinations records and rabies vaccination tag.
3. If you plan to evacuate, know where you can take your pets.
4. Keep extra food available for your pet.
Plan for family member with medical needs:
1. Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines.
2. Back-up medical necessities.
3. Keep at least a two-week supply of medication on hand.
4. Use an ID bracelet or a USB emergency ID band with important contact and medical information.
5. Consider using a back-up power source to ensure vital medical equipment stay on during a power outage.
Kid Preparedness:
1. Prepare a mini emergency kit for school.
2. Use an ID bracelet or a USB emergency ID band with important contact and medical information.
3. Keep a favorite toy, book, or security blanket with your family.
Again, if you're looking for further peace of mind, consider a whole house generator for your home. A whole house generator can provide backup power in case of an unexpected or planned power outage and an alarm and/or camera system will ensure thieves cannot take advantage of the situation. We hope this information will help your family be better prepared and please contact us for more information regarding security systems to protect your family and home.
