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What to Do During a Tropical Storm

Flooded house

Systems with maximum sustained winds of over 39 miles per hour are known as tropical storms, and when these storm systems reach speeds of over 74 miles per hour, they are then classified as hurricanes. Experiencing one of the theses dangerous storms can be stressful, but the best way to ensure you and your family's safety is to be prepared.

Making Hurricanes Easier

When hearing about a tropical storm or hurricane, set aside time to prepare for the weather. In most cases, hurricanes have enough power to cause significant damage, affecting both inland and coastal areas. Examples of the types of threats hurricanes create include:

  • Inland flooding
  • High winds
  • Tornadoes
  • Storm surge
  • Rip currents
  • Heavy rainfall

During a hurricane, your only priority should be to keep you and your loved ones as safe as possible. The best way to do this would be to:

  1. Stay inside and away from windows or glass doors – Even with impact-resistant glass, windows, and doors can easily be destroyed by a hurricane or severe tropical storm. If you haven't been mandated to evacuate and your home is the safest place to be, avoid going outside and staying in a room with few windows.
  2. Be prepared to evacuate – It's crucial that you are prepared in the event of an evacuation mandate.
  3. Stay in tune with emergency information – During a tropical storm or hurricane, your power will likely go out, making your phone service, TV, internet, and other wireless capabilities inaccessible. When preparing for hurricane season, you should always check and make sure you have a battery-operated radio available for use if the time comes. The National Weather Service has a frequency broadcast with warnings and watches 24 hours daily. Make sure you know what the frequency of this emergency broadcasting station is.
  4. Use equipment with caution – Sometimes, during storms, you may need to use a generator. If you must do so, you must do it the right way. Be sure to read the owner's manual before turning it on. Practice with it beforehand so you know how it sounds, looks, and smells when it’s normally operating.
  5. Keep an eye out for water – In the event of water coming into your home from outside, turn off your home's primary power source. If the water surges the power, it could start an electrical fire. Keep extra towels on hand in case you need to help prevent water from continuing to come inside.

Contact A Lawyer

Contact a skilled attorney immediately if you have experienced property damage after a storm and think you may be eligible for financial compensation. They will review your case with you and help you understand your next steps and any legal options you may have. Here at Vernon Litigation Group, we have the experience you need on your side to get the fair payout you deserve. Contact us right away.

Call our offices at (239) 319-4434 or visit us online to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.