08.16.09
Surprise! Storm season now very active.
This weekend we went from zero named storms so far this season to two and very likely three. It should not be a surprise really since the season had been so inactive up until this point it was bound to change. Hopefully these storms won’t bring much more than just rain to our area, but it is a great time to make sure you are prepared. We have links to preparation resources located on our website, http://coastalstormshutters.com/hurricane.htm, which can guide you through the preparation process. Take the time now to think about making it three days without power. Do you have batteries, non-perishable food, radio, flashlights, water, etc.? You’d be surprised at just how much these basic supplies can become a #1 priority in a storm. Also important is to make sure there are activities for you and the family to do while waiting out the storm at home or at a shelter. I like to charge up my portable DVD player and rent a bunch of movies. If you or your kids have a portable video game device make sure it is fully charged. In our house we charge everything that can be charged if we think a storm is on the way. Power tools can come in handy too so it doesn’t hurt to have those ready to go as well. If the storm becomes too dangerous to wait out and you have to evacuate your home, that doesn’t mean you don’t need a plan. Make a checklist of things you’d take in an evacuation and make sure you have containers to carry them in. At a minimum I suggest important documents (marriage license, birth certificates, passports etc.), Family pictures and important sentimental items. If you have a lot of important files stored digitally like I do; then invest in an external hard drive that you can dump all your files onto and then take with you when you leave. That way you have all those files and pictures wherever you end up. Lastly, don’t neglect after storm planning. Know what you’d want to do in the event your home or business has damage. Make a list of repair specialists that you want to contact and have that with you. Here at Vanderheyden Inc. we also specialize in after storm repair so you can count on us to respond. In fact it’s better to have local companies on your list so you don’t get scammed by non-local contractors that swoop in after a storm looking to make a quick buck and disappear. Bottom line is take the time to prepare! Hope is not a plan i.e. “I hope the storm doesn’t hit here”. Stay safe, and check our Twitter page, http://twitter.com/VanderheydenInc, for updates on the storms.