Prepare for the storm:
- Charge all phone and communications devices
- Unplug all electronics and move them as high as possible
- If recommended by utilities or emergency offices, turn off breakers to avoid power surges
Weather the storm:
- Stay indoors during hurricanes and away from windows and glass
- Never operate a portable generator inside your home
- Never connect a generator directly into your home’s wiring unless a transfer switch has been installed
- Always use GFCIs in areas where water and electricity may come in contact
Recover from the storm:
- Do not use electrical equipment and electronics, including receptacles, that have been submerged in water
- Have a qualified electrician inspect any water-damaged electrical equipment and electronics
- Stay away from downed power lines. If you encounter a downed power line, stay at least 35 feet away and do not touch the line or anything that may be in contact with the line
Hurricane categories:
- Category 1
74 – 95 MPH Winds
Some Damage- Potential roof damage
- Large tree branches may snap, and shallow-rooted trees may fall
- Damage to utility poles and power lines. Outages may last a few to several days
- Category 2
96 – 110 MPH Winds
Extensive Damage- Potential major roof damage
- Shallow-rooted trees will be snapped or unrooted
- Power outages for several days to weeks
- Category 3
111 – 129 MPH Winds
Devastating Damage- Major home damage
- Many trees will be snapped or unrooted
- Electricity and water may be unavailable for several days to weeks
- Category 4
130 – 156 MPH Winds
Catastrophic Damage- Severe home damage
- Most trees will be snapped or unrooted and utility poles downed
- Power outages for weeks to possibly months
- Category 5
> 156 MPH Winds
Catastrophic Damage- High percentage of framed homes will be destroyed
- Fallen trees and power pokes will isolate residential areas
- Power outages for weeks to possibly months
According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, homes built to modern building codes fare much better than homes built to older codes. Make sure your home is up to code.
Hurricane History:
- The deadliest hurricane in U.S. history, referred to as the “Great Galveston Hurricane,” struck Texas in 1900 and resulted in an estimated 11,000 deaths.
- Since 1851, the top three states for hurricane landfalls are Florida (114), Texas (63), and Louisiana (54), according to data from the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory in Miami.
- Hurricane Sandy caused 8.5 million power outages across 21 states, the highest outage total ever.
- 23 days after Hurricane Katrina local utilities had power restored to only three-quarters of their customers.
Woodhome Insurance
Home – Auto -Business
(410) 580-2800
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