Regardless of wind speed, every hurricane presents an immediate threat to the well-being of our communities. However, what may get lost in the preparation for severe weather is that it is just as important to remain safe after the storm as well. Even if your home is undamaged and your health is fine, hurricanes tend to have a domino effect that yields dangerous and unexpected situations. With these tips, you can keep yourself and loved ones safe after any storm!

Stay Away from Standing Water

Two things that are common after hurricanes are standing water from heavy rain and fallen powerlines from severe wind. Together, these two make a potentially fatal combination. Electrical currents may be passing through standing water with no visible indication. No matter if walking or driving, stay away from standing water.

Turn Off Gas Pipes

If you smell gas or suspect that something is leaking, turn off the main gas valve immediately. Not only can a burst gas valve fill your home with toxic fumes that are dangerous to breathe in, but they could also catch fire and have other devastating consequences on your belongings. If you expect to lose power during the storm and don’t need to use gas, you should consider shutting off the gas preemptively.

Stick to Bottled Water

Loss of power may affect your city’s filtration system. Without electricity, the supply of drinking water is likely to be compromised because it won’t get the necessary filtration to become safely drinkable. Therefore, faucet water is not safe to drink, clean, or cook with after a storm. Stock up on bottled water before a storm – you will be grateful for it if power goes out.

Avoid Dangerous Debris

The ferocious winds of hurricanes can topple trees, rip off roofing and siding, and even strew furniture through the streets. In many cases, debris can hide hazards like protruding nails or sharp edges. Never judge any debris by the way it looks because it is likely to be much more harmful if you come into contact with it. Steer clear of all debris, especially since hospitals may be overcrowded after severe storms.

If You Evacuate, Don’t Return Home Until It’s Safe

If the severity of a storm has forced you to leave your home while the hurricane passes, don’t rush back afterwards. The promise of comfort is enticing but it is important to check local news outlets first to stay current with evacuation procedures and other circumstances. If power is still out or the area has been ravaged, it is better to stay put where you evacuated to until you can confirm that it is safe to return home.

If you follow these five simple tips, your family is much more likely to avoid any post-storm damages. After such devastating natural occurrences, the best thing you can do is stay safe and not make things any worse for yourself. If you have questions about the security of your home before or after a storm, then reach out to White Aluminum! We offer a plethora of storm protection and security products to ensure your safety no matter what the weather brings.