Staying Safe During a Storm Amid a Pandemic (Part 1: Sheltering at Home)

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Here's how to prepare to shelter at your home during a hurricane or other natural disaster that hits during a pandemic.

As we enter hurricane season, SERVPRO recommends having a plan in place for weathering a bad storm. Typically, this includes preparing your home to withstand the storm, laying in a supply of food, water and essentials, gathering medicines and other important items and having a bag of supplies, clothing and other items ready in case you have to evacuate.

That’s challenging enough in normal times, but with a pandemic still unfolding, preparing for a natural disaster is complicated by the added worry of potential exposure to infection. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has advised that homeowners keep the risk of viral pathogen in mind when making or revising plans.

The American Red Cross also recommends updating the emergency plans you made in previous years. The organization advises gathering your supplies ASAP, because they may become less available once a storm is approaching—and you want to avoid crowds in a pandemic. If you dipped into your emergency stash—nonperishable food, bottled water, etc.—during the quarantine, this is the time to replenish the supplies you used.

The Red Cross advises assembling two emergency supply kits—one for sheltering at home and a second for evacuating. In both cases, gather a one-month supply of prescription and over-the-counter medications you depend on. Keep your meds in a separate bag so that you can easily access them.

2-Week Stay-at-Home Kit

Gather everything you need to stay at home for at least two weeks, including:

• shelf-stable food
• water
• household cleaning and disinfectant supplies
• soap, paper products andpersonal hygiene items
• face masks for all family members

Plan for Electricity

Even if you don’t have to evacuate, you may be without power for an extended time. If you have a portable generator, make sure it’s in good working order and that you have a supply of gas on hand.

Never run the generator inside your home—place it at least of 20 feet from your house, with the exhaust vent directed away from any windows or doors.

Now that you know how to prepare for sheltering at home, read Part 2 of this article for advice on how to prepare to evacuate during a pandemic.

When you have suffered damage from a storm at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield today at 860.633.8791

Help Is Here

The team at SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, biohazard cleanup, fire and smoke damage restoration services and natural disaster prevention and cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield (860.633.8791) any time.

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home or business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield
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1408 Neipsic Road, Glastonbury, CT 06033
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When you have suffered damage from a storm at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield today at 860.633.8791