Hurricane season is upon us as Hurricane Beryl is the first named storm of the 2024 season. It’s crucial to ensure that your home and family are prepared. Hurricanes bring strong winds, heavy rain, and the potential for devastating flooding. By planning ahead and incorporating Quick Dam solutions, you can protect your property and minimize damage. Here’s your ultimate hurricane preparedness checklist.

Stay Informed

  1. Monitor Weather Updates: Regularly check weather forecasts and alerts from reliable sources such as the National Weather Service or Ready.gov.
  2. Understand Hurricane Categories: Familiarize yourself with the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale to understand the potential impact of different hurricane categories. Categories range from 1-5 with 5 being the strongest.

Create an Emergency Plan

  1. Evacuation Routes: Identify your community’s evacuation routes and have a plan for where you will go if you need to evacuate, especially if you live in flood-prone areas.
  2. Family Communication Plan: Ensure all family members know how to contact each other and where to meet if separated.
  3. Special Needs: Consider the needs of pets, elderly family members, and those with special medical requirements.

Assemble an Emergency Kit
Your emergency kit should include:

  1. Non-perishable food and water (at least three days’ supply and a manual can opener) Recommended one gallon of water per person per day.
  2. Medications and medical supplies
  3. Flashlights, batteries, battery-operated radio, and local maps
  4. Personal hygiene items and sanitation supplies (moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties)
  5. Important documents (identification, insurance policies, etc.) in a waterproof container
  6. Extra cash
  7. First-aid kit

Secure Your Home

  1. Install Storm Shutters: Protect windows and glass doors with storm shutters or plywood.
  2. Reinforce Garage Doors: Strengthen garage doors to withstand strong winds.
  3. Trim Trees and Shrubs: Remove dead or weak branches that could cause damage during high winds.
  4. Secure Loose Items: Bring patio furniture inside and move your car inside a garage or to another secure location.

Prevent Flooding with Quick Dam Solutions
Flooding is one of the most destructive effects of hurricanes. Quick Dam offers innovative products to help protect your home from water damage.

  1. Quick Dam Flood Barriers: These barriers can be easily placed around your property to divert water away from vulnerable areas. They activate upon contact with water, providing a quick and effective solution.
  2. Quick Dam Flood Bags: Ideal for doorways, garages, and basement entrances, these bags swell upon contact with water to form a protective barrier.
  3. Quick Dam Flood Gate: For stronger entryway protection, Flood Gates block doorways from oncoming water up to 26 inches high.
  4. Quick Dam Water Force: A portable dam that can be deployed quickly to stop water in its tracks, perfect for larger areas and emergency situations.

Protect Important Areas

  1. Basement and Ground-Level Rooms: Use Quick Dam Flood Bags and Barriers to seal entry points and prevent water from seeping in.
  2. Garage and Driveway: Set up Quick Dam Flood Barriers to redirect water flow away from your garage and driveway.
  3. Doors and Windows: Place Flood Bags at the base of doors and windows to block water from entering or install a Flood Gate in your doorway. For extra indoor protection, place Quick Dam Water Dam around your windows or windows sills.
  4. Bonus Tip: Conduct a test run of your Quick Dam solutions to ensure they are properly placed.

Stay Safe During a Storm

  1. Shelter in Place: If you’re not evacuating, stay indoors and away from windows.
  2. Power Down: Turn off utilities if instructed by authorities and use flashlights instead of candles to prevent fire hazards.
  3. Stay Connected: Keep your battery-operated radio on to receive emergency updates and instructions.

After the Storm

  1. Assess the Damage: Once it’s safe, inspect your property for damage and document it with photos for insurance claims.
  2. Avoid Floodwaters: Stay clear of standing water, which may be contaminated or electrically charged.
  3. Check for Hazards: Look out for downed power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.

Preparing for a hurricane involves thorough planning with the right tools. Quick Dam solutions offer reliable protection against flooding, helping to keep your home safe and dry. By following this comprehensive checklist, you can face hurricane season with confidence and peace of mind. Be prepared, be protected!