Tag Archives: emergency preparedness

Hurricane Sandy Preparedness Tips

For those that would like some tips to read, use and possibly share:

You still have some time to tie down, put away and otherwise secure your home or business.

There are plenty of tips sheet links at the end of this note you can check for things to help you prepare for in advance and to do after the storm.

Here are a few of my own in that I do not recall seeing on the other lists.

Turn off outdoor propane tank during the worst part of the storm.

If evacuating, turn off your water supply to your home.

If you have an exterior drain at the bottom of your basement steps or other low level drain pipe, take a few minutes to make sure this and the area around it is clear of stuff or debris. Many floods are caused by just a little blockage. A few leaves are all it takes.

Have your pet vaccination papers in case you need to board your pet.

Put anything under the deck or inside that a strong wind could pick up and throw against your or your neighbor’s home.

If you have a boat or a plane, get some additional lash lines attached but have to leave some slack on boats to adjust for higher than normal tides.

Wind blown water into your home may be the worst you are exposed to. Simply laying some heavy plastic across the bottom of garage doors, entry doors and sliders will keep this water out. Put heavy bricks, sand bags or get some mulch or soil bags from the store to hold the plastic in place.

If you are in a flood area, having more aggressive sealing up with more sand bags is needed to keep out rising tides.

Had two fire clean ups last year to think about when the power was out. One was someone that had a candle to close to some fabric and the other was someone that had a gas bottle in a camp stove fail when making some soup. Both fires were put out quickly, but made quite a bit of smoke to clean up.

For those that have them: Portable generators are a wonderful thing. FOR OUTSIDE USE ONLY. Check the oil before starting the first time. DO NOT use indoors or so close to the home it becomes a hazard. Do not plug in more equipment than the generator is rated to handle.

They get very hot and can cause damage from the heat or exhaust as well as a touch hazard. A pet or human will easily get a nasty skin burn if you touch the wrong part.

Have important medicines, device chargers and papers in sealed bags with some clothes and personal items ready to go in ONE place if you have to leave in a hurry.

Most of all, have the phone numbers, such as your insurance agent, of people that can help you with clean up if you need it.

We at Rainbow International hope you get through Hurricane Sandy safely, but should you need us we are available to you at all times.

Our 24 contact number is: 410-643-5408 or call me direct on my cell 410-924-6364.

From FEMA:

http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

http://www.mema.state.md.us/prepared/Documents/FEMA_Hurricane+Fact+Sheet.pdf

From Nationwide Insurance

http://www.nationwide.com/catastrophes/hurricanes.jsp

From Prudential PenFed Realty

http://www.prupenfedrealty.com/2012/10/26/safety-tips-on-preparing-for-hurricane-sandy/

From the Maryland Emergency ManagementAgency (MEMA)

http://www.mema.state.md.us/prepared/Pages/Hurricanes.aspx

http://www.mema.state.md.us/prepared/Pages/Floods.aspx

From Anne Arundel County

http://www.aacounty.org/OEM/index.cfm

For your pets there is this site from the Humane Society

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pets-disaster.html

For Generator Safety I wrote a piece earlier this summer and just posted on Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/jon.haas.92/posts/497626290255635

There are 3 links in it from Consumer Energy Center, FPL and a local fire department which cover the info thoroughly.

Respectfully,
Jon

Jon Haas
Business Development Representative

Rainbow International Building Damage Restoration and Carpet Cleaning and more
410-924-6364 c
410-643-5408 o
Jon.Haas@Mail.RainbowIntl.Com

www.DwyerGroup.Com

Aire Serv, Glass Doctor, The Grounds Guys, Mr. Appliance, Mr. Electric, Mr. Rooter, Portland Glass, Rainbow International

Propane Users: Be Prepared for Hurricane Sandy

These steps from DMO can help keep you and your family safe

(LA PLATA, MARYLAND) – – October 26, 2012 As Hurricane Sandy approaches, there are steps all propane customers should take before and after the hurricane.

“When big storms hit, we get a lot of questions from people asking what they should be doing,” said John Combs, President of DMO. “Here are some tips of what to do before and after the storm if you use propane.”

Before the Hurricane
1. Make sure you have enough propane in your tank to last a few days
2. If you are in a flood zone, make sure your large above-ground and underground propane tanks are securely anchored.
3. Create an emergency plan and review it with your family.

During and After the Hurricane
1. If the hurricane threatens your safety, shut off the gas. If you end up turning off your propane supply, contact your propane provider before turning it back on.
2. Listen to the TV and radio for any important evacuation instructions.
3. After the hurricane passes and the area is safe, check for downed power lines, damaged gas lines, or damage to your propane tank.
4. Do not use outdoor propane appliances indoors or in enclosed areas. Do not put a propane cylinder in an enclosed area.

“The most important thing is to stay alert about your surroundings and not take any chances,” said Combs. “If you have shut off your gas supply, if your tank is damaged, or if there is any other destruction that may be unsafe, call your propane company immediately. A qualified technician is the best person to assess the situation and make sure everything is safe.”

For a full list of propane safety tips for Hurricane Sandy, or to schedule a propane delivery, visit www.DMOenergy.com/sandy or call 800-296-5175.

About DMO
DMO is an 86 year old energy company that is family owned and operated. Founded as Delmarva Oil, DMO has grown into the leading propane and heating oil supplier in Southern Maryland, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore. DMO proudly delivers propane, heating oil, and kerosene. DMO’s full service offerings also include installation of HVAC equipment and HVAC service. More information about DMO can be found at: DMOenergy.com.