BIOHAZARD RESTORATION, BLOOD & TRAUMA CLEANING, & WATER RESTORATION 24/7 214-757-1940
Be Prepared
Call BioResponse for hurricane protection from Monroe County to Jacksonville and the Florida Panhandle.
24/7 Emergency Line: (855) 887-4272
Before the Storm
Protect your property:
Declutter drains and gutters.
Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups.
Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
Cover all of your home’s windows and stay away from all windows during the storm to avoid potential flying glass.Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
Review insurance policies. Inspect roof and underlayment.
Create an insurance and remediation kit:
Take pictures of your home, appliances, furniture, jewelry, etc.
Print a hard copy of your insurance policy.
Place a copy of your insurance policy in a Google Doc.
Scan receipts showing value of your appliances, jewelry, etc. Add it to your Google Doc.
If you have NFIP flood insurance, your policy may cover up to $1000 in loss avoidance measures, like sandbags and water pumps, to protect your insured property. You should keep copies of all receipts and a record of the time spent performing the work. They should be submitted to your insurance adjuster when you file a claim to be reimbursed.
claimsadvisor.com is an excellent free resource for inventorying and storing Pictures and receipts of content in your home and business
Create a plan for your family:
Review your evacuation zone, evacuation route and shelter locations. Plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly so plan ahead.
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If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.
Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power.
Know your areas risk of Hurricanes.
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If you are at risk for flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.
Gather needed supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets. Continue reading for a full list of supplies below.
Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
Write down important numbers:
Insurance company number.
Your Public Adjuster’s phone number.
Restoration company number. Don’t have one? Call us if your home is damaged!
24/7 Emergency Line: (855) 887-4272, info@bioresponsecorp.com, www.bioresponsecorp.com
Stay informed:
Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
Keep important documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.
Turn on your TV or radio in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.
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Conserve power by reducing the brightness on your screen and by placing your phone in Airplane mode.
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If you have a household member(s) who is Deaf or hard of hearing, or who has a speech disability and uses traditional or video relay service (VRS), include information on how to connect through relay services on a landline phone, mobile device, or computer.
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Write down phone numbers and email addresses for everyone in your household. Having this important information written down will help you reconnect with others in case you don’t have your mobile device or computer with you or if the battery runs down.
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Make sure everyone, including children, knows how and when to call 911 for help. You should only call 911 when there is a life-threatening emergency.
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It is also important to identify someone outside of your community or State who can act as a central point of contact to help your household reconnect. In a disaster, it may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town because local phone lines can be jammed.
Before the Storm
During the Storm
Follow these steps:
Stay indoors, preferably in a room with no windows. If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
Take your emergency kit and disaster supplies with you if you move from room to room or if you evacuate to a shelter.
Listen for current emergency information and instructions.
Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery outdoors ONLY and away from windows.
Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
Avoid using your phone throughout the storm.
Do no bathe or shower during the storm.
If you lose power, turn off all major appliances.
Keep children informed about what’s happening and watch for signs of stress.
Keep animals in their carriers or crates.
If your home begins to fall apart, get in the bathtub and pull a mattress over you to protect your head and chest from falling debris.
After the Storm
Follow these steps:
Remain inside until local authorities say its safe to go outside.
Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
Do NOT touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
If flooding threatens your home, turn off the electricity at the main breaker.
Use flashlights, not candles or kerosene lamps, as your light source.
Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
Look out for debris around your home, especially if you have children.
Inspect your home for damages to assure your family if its safe to stay and check for gas leaks.
Be careful driving and avoid potholes and fallen debris.
Listen to authorities for information and special instructions.
Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
Document any property damage with lots of photographs and contact your insurance company for assistance.
Be patient and careful. Cleanup after a storm will take time.
Hurricane Supplies List
Recommended emergency supplies
Emergency supplies:
Water – Individuals should determine what amount they are able to both store comfortably and to transport to other locations. If it is feasible, store one gallon of water per person, per day, for drinking and sanitation. (3 day supply for evacuation, 2 week supply for home).
Food – Non-perishable, easy to prepare items (3 day supply for evac., 2 week supply for home).
Battery-powered or hand crank emergency radio, and extra batteries.
Flashlight, Lanterns, and extra batteries.
First-Aid Kit and Medications (7 day supply).
Whistle to signal for help.
Dust or filter masks, readily available in hardware stores, which are rated based on how small a particle they filter.
Sanitation and personal hygiene items – moist towelettes, napkins, tissue paper, extra underwear, soap).
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. Also a multi-purpose tool.
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food).
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to “seal the room”.
Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
Extra Cash.
Baby Supplies – bottles, formula, baby food, diapers.
Pet Supplies – Collar, lash, ID, food, carrier, bowls.
Useful resources:
Preparing for hurricanes:
FEMA – Preparing and staying safe:
Miami-Dade – Are you ready for a hurricane?