Hurricane Preparations For Tenants

Step 1: Be Prepared

Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. They collect heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters and then move toward land. Evaporation from the ocean water increases their power. Hurricanes rotate in a counter-clockwise direction around an “eye,” which is the center of the hurricane.

Hurricanes have winds at least 74 miles per hour. When hurricanes come onto land, their heavy rain, strong winds, and large waves can damage buildings, trees, and cars. Storm surge is when rising water moves inland, or away from the coastline. It’s very dangerous.

Hurricanes are most common between June and November. Any U.S. coast by the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean can get hit and you can feel the effects more than 100 miles inland. People who live on the coast may experience extreme winds and flooding from rain and storm surge. People who live inland are at risk for wind, thunderstorms, and flooding.

Disasters don’t plan ahead. You can. Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area and learn what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• A whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Additional Emergency Supplies

• Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:
• Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
• Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-thecounter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification
and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Step 3: Ready Your Home

Clean Gutters And Downspouts

Clear your gutters and downspouts of debris to ensure water can drain away from your house properly. This helps to prevent water damage and reduce the risk of roof collapse from excess rainwater weight.

Trim Trees And Shrubs

Well-maintained trees and shrubs are less likely to become projectiles during high winds. To help, cut tree branches down to no more than four or five feet long and to remove any dead or dying branches or plants. Also, dispose of any trimmings and debris, so they don’t blow into the street or build up on your property.

Secure Outdoor Objects

Secure or bring indoors all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, and anything else not tied down. These items can become dangerous projectiles during high winds. Additionally, take a detailed inventory of your valuables, including photos or videos of possessions, in case you make an insurance claim after the storm.

Install Hurricane Shutters Or Board Up Windows

Rent Solutions does not install hurricane shutters. Tenants can install them if they choose, but ultimately, having shutters available and installation is the responsibility of an owner.

Ensure that the shutters or their anchors are installed by qualified workmen and that quality materials that meet the building code for your area are used. Materials, and instructions for installation, should be left at the property for the tenants and/or vendors.

If your home does not have commercial hurricane shutters you may consider using plywood. Use at least 5/8 inch exterior grade plywood, it makes the shutters heavier but safer. They should be cut to fit inside the window frame, installed prior to hurricane season, marked for which window they are made for, and stored with their hardware, preferably in a dry location. Heat and moisture over time will warp plywood, and a good fit is essential to their effectiveness. Rent Solutions is not able to install plywood shutters at a property unless they are already at the property prior to a Hurricane Watch.

Prepare Your Pool And Spa

• If there is a chance the pool motor or other permanently plumbed electrical equipment could be submerged, shut down power at the breaker panel. Sandbag the area around the equipment if possible. Wrap the exposed equipment in a waterproof covering and tie it securely.
• Monitor your pool water level
  If you expect heavy rain and decide to lower the water level in your pool to help prevent overflowing, do not drain past the bottom of the skimmer. Do not drain the pool completely - an empty pool is subject to “floating” or “popping” out of the ground due to lift pressure from excessive groundwater, and running your pool pump dry can cause serious damage.
• Remember gas heater safety
  If you have a gas heater, turn off the gas supply at the valve.
• Keep your pool water sanitary
  Add extra Chlorine and circulate the pool as much as possible before the storm, then turn off the power at the circuit breaker. A floating chlorinator will provide sanitization if you cannot run your pump.
• Prevent algae growth
  Add an extra dose of All In One Algaecide to prevent a possible algae bloom

Turn Off Breakers And Water Sources To The Property

You should turn off breakers during a hurricane to prevent power surges that can damage electronics and equipment. You should also turn off your main switch if you're evacuating, if flood water is approaching, or if your home is already flooded. Water is a great conductor, especially salt water, and can cause water to flow into places it shouldn't.

You should turn off your main water valve before a hurricane hits to prevent contaminated water from entering your plumbing system. This can help minimize damage to your home's interior if a pipe bursts.