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Below we've created a few checklists that may be beneficial to you as a landlord or property manager when a hurricane or storm is near.
Gather Important Information:
- Make note of important phone numbers and information
- Nearest Hurricane Shelter
- Map of Evacuation Route(s)
- Local Police Department
- Local Fire Department
- Insurance Company, Phone Number, and Policy Number
- Tenant’s Emergency Contact Info: (Tenant Name, Where evacuating, emergency phone numbers)
- Notify friends and family of your plan
Contact your Tenants
- Give your Emergency Contact Information to your tenants.
- Get your tenant’s emergency contact information.
- Ask your tenants to park vehicles against the garage door and keep the gas tank full.
- Move furniture away from exposed windows and doors.
- Take all pets indoors to shelter them from the storm.
- Ask them to fill bathtubs and sinks with water if the water supply is interrupted or contaminated; turn off the main water to the house.
- Garden tools, awnings, and grills should be anchored or sheltered.
- Set the refrigerator on maximum cold; do not open unless necessary; keep a full stock of non-perishable items and canned foods.
- Stay in a central room or on the house's downwind side; move to another room as wind direction changes.
- Close all windows and storm shutters
- Bring all lawn furniture inside or store it.
- Turn off propane tanks
Protect your Property
- Turn off the main gas valve before the storm hits.
- Install storm panels, plywood, or shutters over all windows, skylights, doors, and open vents; tape exposed glass to protect from shattering.
- Prune dead and dying tree limbs.
- Insert wedges in sliding patio doors; if not protected, damaging winds will lift them off their tracks and blow them into the house.
- Elevate appliances and furniture off the floor and cover with plastic
- Keep swimming pools filled to 12 inches below the edge; cover the filter pump, turn off the electricity, and add additional chlorine.
- Lower radio and television antennas protect satellite dishes.
- Close all outdoor electrical outlets and cover with duct tape.
- Secure garage and porch doors.
Red Cross Supply Checklist for you and your tenant(s)
- Water at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
- Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents(medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
- Tools/supplies for securing your home
- Extra set of car keys and house keys
- Extra clothing, hat, and sturdy shoes
- Rain gear
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Camera for photos of the damage
Checklist for After the Hurricane
- Let your family know you’re safe
- Continue listening to NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
- Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
- If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
- Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
- Please keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company. • Stay out of any building that has water around it.
- Inspect your home for damage. Please take pictures of the damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
- Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.
- Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
- Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
- Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
- Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
- Use the telephone only for emergency calls.