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Hurricane season is upon us, and being prepared can help you, your family, and your home stay safe and protected. Whether this is your first time experiencing hurricane season or if you’ve been experiencing them your whole life, follow the hurricane preparedness checklists and tips below for before, during, and after the storm. During a hurricane, the best thing you can do is stay informed.
Preparing Before the Storm
Pay close attention to emergency information and alerts. These alerts might come to you directly from LMH using our RedFlag notification system or might come from FEMA, the National Weather Service, or even from your Installation Command.
Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep doors closed.
Stay away from low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Always stay indoors during a hurricane, even if it looks like the storm is stopping. Wait for the all-clear from authorities before going outside.
If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone and local officials tell you to evacuate, do so immediately. Make sure everyone in your household is aware of the evacuation and take along all important documents and your emergency evacuation kit.
Dealing with the Weather During the Storm
Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
Take refuge in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds.
If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater.
Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Turn around. Don’t drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
Returning Home After a Hurricane
Pay attention to local officials for information and special instructions.
Be careful during cleanup. Wear protective clothing, use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris, and maintain a physical distance of at least six feet while working with someone else. People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immunosuppression conditions should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled, even if they do not have an allergy to mold. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
Do not wade in floodwater, which can contain dangerous pathogens that cause illnesses, debris, chemicals, waste, and wildlife. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.
Beware of outdoor hazards.
Watch out for loose or dangling power lines, and report them immediately to our 24/7 Emergency Maintenance Liberty At Your Service at 1-888-578-4141.
Walk or drive cautiously. Debris-filled streets are very dangerous. Washouts may weaken road and bridge structures that could collapse under vehicle weight.
Open the refrigerator only when necessary. Food will spoil in the refrigerator if the power is off for more than a few hours. Freezers will keep food for several days if the doors are not opened frequently after a power failure, but do not refreeze food once it begins to thaw.
Do not use tap water until authorities have issued a safe water area. Use the emergency supply in the tub or boil water. Report broken sewer or water mains to Liberty At Your Service at 1-888-578-4141.
Do not bring gas or charcoal grills inside to use for cooking.
Please be patient and be prepared to be on your own for up to 4 days. It takes a team effort to clean up after a storm. Responsibility for the cleanup falls to numerous local, state, and federal agencies. Your property staff will make every effort to assist these agencies and our residents.
Should damage to the property occur, LMH will make a home by home inspection to assess the damages. A schedule will then be prepared to complete the necessary repairs.
This hurricane season, go into it feeling more prepared. There are many resources available in case of emergency, and Liberty Military Housing is here to help. Have more questions about hurricane preparedness? Reach out to your local district office or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay connected.
