If your home has been exposed to a hurricane or tropical storm it’s very important that you know what to do to preserve your belongings and stay safe. A major storm can be a stressful experience and knowing how to prepare can get you through to make sure that your home is not damaged in the process. Here are some of the top ways that you can prepare and follow a safety plan throughout a hurricane.

Before The Storm

Get the appropriate supplies that you need to weather the storm. Consider first aid supplies as well as survival supplies like a flashlight, cash, and more.

Bring in any of your outdoor items that could blow away or cause damage to your home. Trimming back limbs and removing items like patio furniture can be an excellent start.

Make sure you have enough drinkable water in case of flooding.

Keep your vehicle in good working condition and make sure that you stock it with plenty of gas and emergency supplies in the event that you have to move to a shelter.

Have a charged cell phone in place so that you can communicate with your family members should the power go out.

Unplug small appliances and be sure to turn off all propane tanks before the storm hits.

During a Hurricane

Close up all storm shutters and be sure to stay away from windows as broken glass can be a dangerous hazard during the storm.

If you are outside make sure to move to higher ground to avoid floodwater.

If power is lost make sure that you have a flashlight on hand as candles could pose a fire risk if there is a gas leak.

Turn your freezer or fridge to the coldest setting so that if you lose power you can preserve your food.

Get instructions on the latest weather report from the radio or TV.

After Hurricanes

Avoid driving through all floodwaters. Even 6 inches of water could knock out your vehicle if you’re moving fast enough. Avoiding floodwater after the storm can be important as it can become charged from a downed power line. Returning home should only be done when the authorities indicate your home is safe. Keep in touch with your friends and family.

Make sure that you’re reading all generator safety guides before operating a generator at your home.

After the storm has taken place make sure to contact a professional roofing contractor to get an inspection done on your roof. A professional inspection after every hurricane is a requirement for keeping your roofing systems at their best.

This post was written by Reggie Reed! Reggie is a state certified roofing contractor and co-owner of Reggie Reed Roofing, the best  roofing contractor St Petersburg Fl. He is a 4th generation roofing contractor. RR Roofing offers a wide variety of roofing services for residential homes, apartment complexes, condos, commercial buildings, churches and more. Reggie enjoys dedicating his spare time to helping underprivileged youth in his community and traveling with his family and friends.