Hurricane Safety

The 2005 hurricane season was the worst on record according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), with 14 hurricanes causing $46 billion in insured losses and three million claims, all record highs.

Although not avoidable, the damage inflicted by these severe tropical storms can be managed with careful planning and preparation. As each hurricane season approaches — June 1 to Nov. 30 — know what to do before the storm strikes.

Before the Hurricane

• Know the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning.
  • Hurricane Watch: This indicates that hurricane conditions are present and there is a threat within 24-36 hours.
  • Hurricane Warning: There is a hurricane expected within 24 hours (74 mph winds, high tides and waves).
  • Eye of the Hurricane: Despite popular belief, the eye of the storm is actually the calm center of the storm. The deadliest part of the storm comes just before and just after the eye passes.
• Prepare a hurricane evacuation kit that can be reached within a moment’s notice of evacuation. Include the following:
  • battery-operated transistor radio
  • extra batteries
  • flashlight/candles
  • matches
  • blankets
  • cash/credit cards
  • identification
  • spare house/car keys
  • canned goods
  • medications and list of doctors
  • eyeglasses
  • coloring books and crayons
  • toiletries
  • first aid kit
  • utility shut off instructions
  • manual can opener
  • bottled water
  • canned food
  • change of clothing, rain gear
  • sturdy shoes
  • blankets, pillow and sleeping bag
  • cards, games and books
  • baby supplies
  • maps

• Remove diseased or damaged tree limbs before the threat of a storm.
• Permanent shutters are best to protect windows. You can also use half-inch plywood panels with pre-drilled holes every 18 inches for screws.
• Have a supply of plywood and nails on hand to board up your home. You risk paying high prices and standing in long lines if you wait until the last minute to purchase these storm essentials.
• Make sure you have flood insurance. You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local Agent or emergency management office. There is normally a 30 day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective. Homeowners policies do not cover damage from flooding that accompanies a hurricane.
• Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during a hurricane, have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the family contact. After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.

During a hurricane watch …

A hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24 to 36 hours.

• Listen to a battery operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
• Check your emergency supplies. Make sure everything is stocked and in working order.
• Gas up your car.
• Bring in garbage cans, lawn furniture, bikes, toys, hanging plants and lawn decorations. If possible, disassemble the swings on your child’s swing set to prevent unnecessary damage.
• Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outdoor antennas.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings. Open them only when absolutely necessary and close them quickly.
• Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs and bottles.
• Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container.
• Review your evacuation plan with your family.
• Moor your boat securely or move it to a designated safe area. Use rope or chain to secure the boat to a trailer.
• Use tiedowns to anchor your trailer to the ground or your house.

During a hurricane warning …

A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions — winds in excess of 74 miles per hour, or dangerously high water and rough seas — are expected within 24 hours.

• Listen constantly to a battery operated radio or television for official instructions.
• If you are in a mobile home, make sure it is tied down and evacuate immediately.
• Stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
• Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
• If you lose power, turn off all major appliances. Too many appliances left on can create a power surge when the power is turned back on.

If officials indicate that evacuation is necessary:

• Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed out bridges.
• Unplug appliances and turn off the electricity and main water valve.
• Tell someone outside the storm area where you are going.
• If time permits and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding. If possible, move it to a higher floor.
• Take pre-assembled emergency supplies, warm protective clothing, blankets and sleeping bags to the shelter.
• Lock up your home before you leave.
• If you have time, bring your laptop computer with you. This will provide an invaluable bank of phone numbers and data bases. If you have access to a phone line, you can connect to the Internet and track the hurricane.

After …

• Help injured or trapped persons.
• Give first aid where appropriate.
• Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
• Avoid loose or dangling power lines, and report them immediately to the power company, police or fire department.
• Enter your home with caution. Beware of snakes, insects and animals driven to higher ground by flood water.
• Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
• Check refrigerated foods for spoilage.
• Take pictures or video of the damage, both to the house and its contents, for insurance claims. Make a list of all damaged and destroyed items.
• Contact your insurance Agent as soon as possible. After business hours, Erie Insurance Policyholders can contact Extended Hours Claims Service at (800) 367-3743.
• Assess the damage to your home and make temporary repairs to prevent further destruction.
• Hold off on permanent repairs until your insurance adjuster approves your reimbursement.
• Cover broken windows and damaged roof coverings immediately.
• Remove standing water from your home.
• Keep all receipts related to repairs and temporary housing.
• Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

Inspecting utilities in a damaged home:

• Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home.
• Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
• Check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid the water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.

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