Be climate smart: Tropical storm and hurricane preparedness tips

Advance planning for hurricane and tropical storm peak season:

– Ensure trees and bushes are trimmed, and remove any dead branches that could fall on your home.

– Compile an emergency preparedness kit and store it in an easily accessible area of your home. Include battery-powered or wind-up flashlights and radios, extra batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, and appropriate pet supplies.

– Keep in mind most cordless phones will not work in a power outage. Ensure you have a telephone that does not require electricity to function.

– If you have a sub pump, make sure it is in proper working condition as ground water often increases during storms.

– Roofs are highly susceptible to fierce winds. If you are replacing yours, ensure that the new roofing cover and sheathing will resist high winds. If you are not replacing your roof, consider gluing sheathing to the rafters and trusses for added protection.

– Install storm shutters or impact resistant windows. You may also want to place a protective film over your windows to prevent them from shattering should they break.

In the event of a hurricane or tropical storm warning:

– Store away any loose gardening tools, lawn furniture and toys, and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.

– Make sure that doors on garden tool sheds are secured and vehicles and other valuables are safely stored away in the garage.

– If you have a boat, make sure that it is properly moored.

– Keep a full gas tank in your car in case in case of emergencies.

– If your home is located in a low-lying area near the coast, move inland and to a higher elevation if possible.

During a hurricane or tropical storm:

– Stay indoors, away from windows, skylights and glass doors, unless directed otherwise by the appropriate authorities.

– Stay informed — listen to your local radio or television station for storm updates and follow instructions. If you are told to evacuate, follow the recommended path and don’t take shortcuts.

– Use your cell phone to keep in contact with friends, family or neighbours. Limit phone calls to ensure your battery life will last the duration of the storm.

– If you lose power, turn off your appliances to avoid a power surge when the power is restored. Use a flashlight, not a candle, as a source of light.

After a hurricane or tropical storm:

– Get a qualified electrician to handle any broken electrical wires, appliances or devices.

– Separate damaged property from undamaged property and prepare an inventory of what has been lost or damaged.

– Take photographs of damaged property. If covered, RSA will reimburse you for the cost of the photos.

– Keep receipts for any clean-up costs incurred (i.e. shop vac rentals, cleaning supplies, etc.).