September 2007
Preparing for a Storm
At K.B Clarke Disaster Kleenup, we specialize in restoring your property or business after it has been affected by wind, rain, water, fire or mould. Many of the jobs we do are directly related to the damages incurred from storms. As hurricane season approaches, here is a list of some steps you can take in order to better prepare for significant storms.
When officials predict that a storm will hit your area:
Continue to monitor the news
Get supplies (i.e. ready to eat food, bottled water)
Refill prescriptions if you fear you may run out
Fill your car’s gas tank
Make sure you have fresh batteries, a working flashlight, a battery powered radio
Only fill a gasoline can if it can be stored securely
Ensure that cellular phones, tools, or anything that can be re-charged has been and stays recharged
Collect important documents (wallets, passports, etc)
Get some cash
When a storm warning is issued:
Continue to monitor the news
Secure your boat, aircraft, recreation vehicle
DO NOT tape your windows – if the window breaks, it may create glass daggers
Move everything you can out of flood prone areas
Clear your yard of loose objects
Move potted plants, patio furniture, etc. into a secure area so that it won’t fly around
Remove your roof antenna if you can
DO NOT turn off your natural gas at the main meter – only your gas supplier is qualified to do this
When a storm is imminent (i.e. hours away):
Continue to monitor the news
Put on your medic alert tag
Fill your bathtub with clean water
Shut off your main water supply to prevent contamination
Secure your valuables
Move fragile items away from windows
Ensure that you have emergency numbers handy (e.g. insurance, utilities, local hospitals)
Stay off the roads and remain close to your home – you may have to move indoors quickly
During a storm:
Continue to monitor the news
Stay indoors
Retreat to a secure area of your home if you feel the storm is becoming more intense
Don’t use the telephone unless you have to (i.e. to call 9-1-1)
Avoid using electrical devices if you can
CAUTION!
It may seem that the storm has passed. Beware, this may only be the eye of a hurricane. If it is, the storm could once again get very violent, very quickly. Be vigilant.
Going out in a storm is very dangerous. Things like loose roofing shingles can become projectiles which travel through the air at speeds in excess of 100 km/h. Being hit by flying debris can cause serious injury and has been known to cause fatalities.
After a storm:
Continue to monitor the news
Driving may be treacherous – don’t drive unless you have to
If your home becomes flooded, call your insurer immediately to seek advice. Take measures to protect property from further damage
DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless there is an emergency
DO NOT touch power lines
Take precaution when removing downed tree limbs – they may be holding up heavier sections of the tree or damaged structures
Follow the instructions of officials when you encounter them – be prepared to prove your identity and address if you are returning home
Lessons learned:
During Nova Scotia’s Hurricane Juan many people found themselves stranded, unable to purchase gasoline at the pumps. While nobody can predict power outages, storms can be predicted. If a major storm is coming, fill up with gas. If the power is out, you may not be able to get gas for several days.
During that same disaster, most people were unable to use their stoves. Restaurants were without power, and therefore couldn’t serve meals. Many people resorted to cooking on their BBQ’s.
If the power is out, your refrigerator may be able to keep food cool for up to 24 hours, as long as you don’t open it. Monitor the situation carefully. If you suspect food is spoiling, then get rid of it. It’s your safest option.
When phone lines go out, people resort to using their cell phones in order to communicate. This places a heavy burden on the cell phone infrastructure. In many cases, you will not be able to place a call easily. You will need to be patient.
After Hurricane Juan passed, K.B. Clarke was inundated with emergency calls to assist with flooding basements, holes in roofs, broken windows, and other types of emergencies resulting from the storm.
Extra crews from other DKC companies across Canada were called in to assist with these situations to help prevent further damage from mould and any secondary damages from water entering structures.
Under normal circumstances, K.B. Clarke would handle the emergency portion of your disaster and then soon thereafter, when your home is dry, handle the reconstruct. We understand how important it is for you to have your home returned to its pre-loss condition. We are homeowners too.
However, in the case of Juan, normal operations ceased to exist. There were hundreds of people in the same situation as you during that time. Our mission, in the aftermath of a storm, is to assist with emergency situations first and foremost. When these are handled, we can return to normal operations and help you rebuild your home.
This will take time; however, you must keep in mind that in the aftermath of such a terrible disaster, we have to be patient and work together to rebuild our communities.
For more information on this topic, visit the following websites.
The Weather Network
Environment Canada
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
The Palm Beach Post (to monitor developing storms)
The Government of Nova Scotia
K.B. Clarke Disaster Kleenup
Disaster Kleenup Canada
