Returning to Your Property after a Hurricane
After a disaster like a hurricane occurs, if you were required to or decided to evacuate, it’s important to take the time to consider what you need before you return to your home or business.
Return to your property or business only after authorities advise it is safe to do so. Keep informed and up-to-date on any changes in weather or related conditions, or any guidance from authorities, by listening to the radio, TV or various social media sources. The hurricane may have produced hazards and other potentially unsafe conditions, such as downed wires/power lines, gas leaks, flooded areas, damaged trees and other debris. Remain cautious when you return to your home or business.
Your personal safety and the safety of others during the recovery effort is the primary concern. You want to assess what provisions, tools, supplies and assistance you may need based on disaster area conditions. The availability of critical resources such as water, electricity and food, or services such as police, fire and medical may be limited.
The following websites provide useful information related to post-storm recovery tips:
- Local municipal sites such as utility companies and public safety (road closures, local services, etc.)
- Weather.com, National Weather Service or your area’s local news station
- Travelers hurricane information
- Travelers flood information
- FEMA
- OSHA Flood Response
Assessing Your Property
Once you have been given the OK to be allowed back into your home or business, carefully inspect the property and building for damage. You’ll want to consider your home or business during the period of restoration as a work zone. You may not be fully aware of physical, chemical or biological hazards and may need to protect yourself with personal protective equipment, such as a hard hat, gloves, boots, safety glasses and a dust mask. If your property has been damaged, document conditions and promptly report the claim. Read More
