As based on the predictions of Colorado State University experts, there are sixteen named storms, including eight hurricanes, forecasted for 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. Four of these hurricanes will be major storms Category 3 to 5, having sustained winds of at least 111 mph, which will possibly pass through South Carolina.
While South Carolinians prepare annually for Atlantic coast hurricanes, this COVID-19 pandemic has raged its devastation so suddenly that we begin to question uncertainties about handling both crises. Without preventives measures and proper planning, such frightening threats can spell a total disaster.
Uncertainty and doubting questions linger in our minds, like what would happen if we our house gets flooded and how can we cope with the COVID-19 situation at the same time? If we are forced to evacuate, how can we protect ourselves from COVID-19 infection? Check out some of our hurricane safety tips below, despite having a COVID-19 pandemic at the moment:
Before the storm.
Review your anti-hurricane checklist last year, make an inventory if you still have stocks, and finalize your list.
Prioritize buying emergency stocked supplies:
- matches
- water
- food
- first aid supplies
- extra batteries
- emergency kit items
Make sure you have items for COVID-19:
- masks
- plastic gloves
- hand sanitizers
- alcohol
- water with liquid or bar soaps
- medicines for bodily sustenance and strengthening of the immune system
Remember, when purchasing these items, the earlier, the better, because the supply chain is already narrow and hoarding of these items has already started.
Coordinate with local officials about the latest evacuation plans and protocols before a hurricane strikes. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest shelters and map routes, and how to get there from your home. While the quarantine is in place, study the details and other information related to the evacuation for now; it is best to be prepared in advance.
During the storm.
Keep track of the presence of the storm, listen to your portable radio or mobile apps updater for its location, or call your relatives or friends who are near your area for updates. If your zone needs to evacuate, do so while following the prepared evacuation plan.
Just do not forget to follow state and federal guidelines on COVID-19, like social distancing and the use of facial masks. If told to stay in place, stay inside your house and go to a safe area like a closet or a downstairs bathroom. Do not forget to turn off your electrical system and appliances for precautionary measures against floods and power outages.
After the storm.
Before going out, wait for the updated advisories until an official “all clear” is given. Most people rely on mobile phones, but when large storms come cellular services often get knocked out, so have a back-up plan in getting the latest updates.
In case you need to go to disaster shelters, follow up to date CDC advisories and recommendations. Follow social distancing rules, staying away at least 6 feet or about 2 arms length from others. Be aware of the people in your surroundings, and avoid people who you suspect to be sick to protect your health against contamination.
Additionally, follow these CoVid-19 reminders:
· Use face masks.
· Practice social distancing.
· Sanitize your surroundings.
· Practicing proper hand hygiene is always a must.
· Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
· Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes if your hands are dirty.
· Keep healthy habits like eating healthy food and getting enough rest to avoid getting sick.
· Always stay informed and follow health and safety guidelines from authorities.
Sad to say, even if there is no storm, with COVID-19 pandemic in place the responders and volunteers are in short supply. Clean-up resources, contractors and supplies have been reduced. Moreover, insurance companies and FEMA are spread thin. The best advice for such unknown situations is to put extra vigilance and be always resilient of the situation at hand.
Lastly, after the passing of the storm, use your mobile phone and take pictures of the storm aftermath. It will be useful for the next hurricane preparation and can be used for insurance purposes if needed. It is important to check the inside and outside of your home for any water damages. Water damages could be in every nook and cranny of your rooms. Once found, immediately remedy the situation, as it is much easier to prevent the water damages from getting worse.
Water damages cannot be prevented after every storm. If left untreated, even if it is just minimal, water damage can lead to bacteria and mold build-up which will seriously affect the health of your family and can cause possible damage to property if it becomes too severe. That is why it is important to immediately repair or fix the affected area to prevent more damages, costly repairs and even endanger the health of your family.
Probably, if the damage is minimal, you can have it as your DIY project. However, if you are not sure how to do it, it is best to hire the professionals immediately. Let ServiceMaster of the Upstate, your water damage restoration company Laurens and water damage restoration services in Laurens SC help you with your water damages, flood damages, mold remediation, and other after-hurricane cleaning services like carpet cleaning, hardwood floor cleaning, hoarder cleanup, sewer backup cleanup, tile and grout cleanup, and upholstery cleaning.
ServiceMaster of the Upstate, your water damage restoration company Laurens, is one of South Carolina’s leading restoration companies. We restore water, fire, and mold damaged properties for the commercial and residential properties and the insurance market.
Our 24/7 emergency vehicles are ready to respond to any water damage emergency in Greenville, Saluda, Spartanburg, Newberry, and Laurens, South Carolina and surrounding areas with a moment’s notice. We can extract water, dry carpets, walls, and structure. Our claims team will handle the insurance claim from start to finish and update all parties involved. You can be sure there will be no surprises in this process.
Call ServiceMaster of the Upstate at (864) 310-7891 for a 24-hour emergency service in South Carolina. We are serving Greenville, Spartanburg, Laurens, Newberry, Saluda and and surrounding areas and counties.
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