Hurricane Tips for IRMA Add Yours to the list

The World Threat Directory is a user populated GeoDirectory (Picture Google Maps) that allows users to stay connected and communicate threats to the populace. The WTD has a Weather Portion that allows users to do the following:
Post Notices (eg. Hurricane is expected to hit)
Post Notifications (eg. Power out here, Flooding here, etc..)
Emergency Recovery Needed (eg. We are trapped at this location) Note: The Platform will Geolocate you if you allow it ...show your exact location for the listing.
Area Cleared (ie. For recovery team coordination. This allows decentralized rescure efforts to coordinate by labeling areas they have cleared)
The WTD is a FREE SERVICE. The Site is mobile friendly. An APP (by the same name) will be available around the end of September 2017.
VISIT the WTD HERE

Preventing damage to your home begins well before the storm. Get 5 tips from Travelers to help protect your home from a hurricane.

Don't get caught without water. Fill your tub ahead of time as a reserve. You can also fill container (safe for drinking only) with water, and if need be even large trash bags. In extreme circumstances the water from your toilet tank and hot water heater reserve can be drank.

Freeze Jugs and containers of water in preparation for power loss. You can then place some in the refrigerator (and keep some in freezer) to maintain acceptable temperatures longer. Minimize opening the refrigerator door during the absence of power.

This is pretty self explanatory, but worth stating. If you intend to, and have the means it is ideal to evacuate sooner that later. This will allow you to beat the rush out of the area, and give better options at evacuation locations.
Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.

Make sure your gas is topped off and if possible it is ideal to have some extra on hand.

Gather and protect all your important papers and documents. Consider necessities (deeds, license, etc.) as well as important keepsakes. Ensure they are waterproofed (ziplock bag) and secured).

It's a good practice to photo and/or video your property in anticipation of insurance claims. Of course ensure that this is protected from the flood. If you have time upload it to a secure cloud such as Google Drive.

Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so before hurricane season trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.

Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.

Reduce property damage by retrofitting to secure and reinforce the roof, windows and doors, including the garage doors.

Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.

• Prepare for a hurricane by stocking up on emergency supplies including food, water, protective clothing, medications, batteries, flashlights, important documents, road maps, and a full tank of gasoline.

If forced to whether a storm, get inside the most secure building possible and stay away from windows. Additionally if possible get on the far end of the structure..downwind.

Remember that a lull often signifies the storm’s eye—not its end. Anyone riding out a hurricane should wait for authorities to announce that the danger has passed.

If you have life-support devices or other medical equipment or supplies which depend on electricity, notify your utility and work with your medical provider to prepare for power outages.

Consider attaching temporary plywood covers to protect windows and sliding doors.

Make sure to have descriptions of your pets and the community cats (sometimes called feral cats) you care for, along with photos. If you need to look for displaced cats in shelters or other rescue areas, this will help accurately identify them. Make sure all pet tags and animal microchips have up-to-date information. Enlist a back-up caregiver who is responsible for the community cats in your absence, and network with other community cat caregivers in your area to set up a 'buddy system.' This will create a safety net of care for the cats. You may be able to find other cat caregivers in your area through our Feral Friends Network. Create an emergency contact card for your pets and community cat colonies in case you are not immediately available. Include all contact information for your substitute caregiver. Carry this card in your wallet and your car, give copies to your backup caregiver, and post it somewhere visible in your home like on the refrigerator. Make a list of local shelters and their contact information. You will need this information in case you need their help or resources. Keep an emergency supply kit on hand and know where to find it quickly. Disaster kit basics for pets include a pet first-aid kit, a supply of prescription medications for pets, veterinary and microchip ID records, three to seven days of pet food and dishes, a seven-day supply of bottled water per person and per pet, a litter box and litter, a leash and collar, crate or carrier, blankets, and photos of pets and cats in colonies.

Monitor Your TreesIn a powerful windstorm, trees can be a hazard. Broken limbs or fallen trees — even uprooted shrubbery — could damage your home and fences, or your neighbor's property.Routinely maintain the trees around your home:Prune tree limbs within 10 feet of your home.Check for cracking or splitting in trees.Remove dead limbs and weakened trees.

is important to keep wall openings, such as doors, windows and skylights protected. The roof, doors and windows of your house are especially vulnerable to wind damage. When houses are exposed to hurricane force winds, roofs are most susceptible to damage, followed by walls and openings such as skylights.Strengthen doors and windows by:Installing reinforcing bolt kits at the top and bottom of doors.Reinforcing garage doors.Installing storm shutters over windows.

windstorm, wind forces are carried from the roof down to the exterior walls and then to the foundation. Homes can be damaged when wind and wind-driven water gets under the building’s exterior walls if proper controls are not in place.Strengthen exteriors by employing a contractor to:Install hurricane straps to reinforce roof-to-wall and wall-to-foundation connections.Retrofit soffits to help ensure they remain in place in high winds.Properly brace roof trusses.