After the Storm

Though the storm may have passed, many dangers can remain in its wake. During this clean-up and repair period, your primary focus should be on keeping yourself safe, as well as ensuring that your family, friends, neighbors and emergency workers also remain safe. If you find yourself in a potentially risky or dangerous situation during this time, always err on the side of caution.

In the aftermath of a hurricane, any needed relief supplies and other types of aid will typically arrive as quickly as possible. Often, special disaster teams will be sent to damage scenes by insurance companies, as well as by the state and federal governments along with a host of private organizations.

It's important to understand, however, that it could take several days for any help to arrive at disaster sites. Not only does it take time to gather and load the unique supplies that the area may require, but roadways may be blocked by debris and rendered unsafe for travel. This is why it's so very important to make sure you have enough ice, water and food to sustain you and your family for at least three days.

What to Expect

Hurricanes are traumatic experiences—both physically and emotionally. The recovery process can be the hardest part of all.

Imagine the scene after a particularly strong storm. There may be debris scattered across roads, parking lots and yards. The nice, neat neighborhoods that existed prior to the hurricane might now be covered with fallen trees and limbs, gutters and other wreckage. Homes and businesses might be damaged or destroyed. There may be no water, sewer, electrical or telephone service and no air conditioning or refrigeration. Roadways could be blocked for days or even weeks.

Everyone is affected in some way by a hurricane. Having to return to your home or business, assess damage and clean up can be very difficult tasks. By remaining calm, patient and understanding, you can help ensure that this time is safe and productive for everyone.

Here are some post-storm procedures and considerations—as well as some important information on disaster assistance and generator safety—to keep in mind during any recovery.

First Things First

W HAT THE STORM LEAVES BEHIND

Storm Debris

Following a hurricane, it will become necessary to separate your curbside trash. Debris from the clean-up and recovery will be accepted by priority.

Storm Debris Removal Information

CLEANING UP AROUND AND ABOUT THE HOUSE

Household Priorities

Stoves and Ovens

Refrigerators and Freezers

Washers and Dryers

Books and Papers

Swimming Pools

Super chlorinate again and clean the filter frequently until the pool is back to normal.

Looting/Curfew

As soon as the hurricane ends, looting may begin. With walls blown away and windows blown out—and since many homes belong to snowbirds summering up north—residences become easy targets. The fear of looting is widespread within the community and many residents stay in their damaged homes to protect their valuables. However, it is important to note that incidences of crime are actually statistically lower after a disaster. A curfew may be enacted for several nights to combat theft and vandalism.

AVOIDING GENERATOR HAZARDS

Be Safe, Not Sorry

Every year, 70 people in the United States die from generator-related carbon monoxide deaths and thousands more are injured, according to an investigation by The Texas Tribune, Pro Publica and NBC News. Between 2005 and 2017, more than 15,000 people throughout the nation were treated in emergency rooms for some form of portable generator-related carbon monoxide poisoning, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Here's how you can avoid becoming a statistic.

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