5 Tips For Hurricane Preparedness in Mobile, Alabama

If you live in Mobile, Alabama, then you know that hurricanes are always a possibility from the beginning of June to the end of November. If a storm is headed your way, there are several actions you can take to protect your family and secure your home before the waters rise and the wind gusts.

Plan for Hurricane Season

Planning ahead for an impending hurricane will save you time and energy and get you out of town faster. Have all the necessary emergency items already available in a portable emergency kit. Items should include:

• Flashlights & batteries
• Bottled water
• First aid kit
• Cash on hand
• Non-perishable food
• Extra clothing
• All important documents such insurance policies, home warranties, and personal identification documents

Store all supplies in airtight plastic bins and have them accessible at all times.

Do You Know the Evacuation Routes?

Every city along the coast has a hurricane evacuation route. Mobile’s route can be found here. Before you travel, contact your nearest relative or a close friend and inform them that you will be on the road. Try to stay on the evacuation route as long as possible. Once you have arrived to your destination, give a courtesy call to friends or relatives still in Mobile, Alabama.

Set Your Smartphone to Receive Weather Alerts

Modern smart phone are now equipped to receive instant warning alerts for all severe weather conditions. If your phone has this feature but it’s not activated, then check the settings and adjust them appropriately. Make sure there is always some form of power to your phone. Take all wall jacks and car jacks with you as you evacuate. Minimize personal use as much as possible to conserve battery power and to give those who are in emergency situations the ability to call loved ones.

Secure Your Home

Prepare your home for a hurricane months in advance. Hurricanes cause extensive property damage. You can minimize the damage by following a few guidelines.

• Trim your trees and remove all dead limbs as well as limbs closest to the house.
• Have your roof inspected for vulnerable areas that could leak.
• Repair all damaged windows and doors and tighten all window and doorframes.
• Secure your windows with wood or metal barricades. Seal the area around the barricade if possible.
• Place sandbags around doorways and other low-lying areas where water can invade the house.
• Place all yard items in a storage unit or in your garage.

Secure a Local Storage Unit

If you have time, then rent a storage unit. Make sure that the storage unit is in a safe zone away from the initial impact of the hurricane. Storalls offers second floor storage to help protect your belongings from floods. Remove items on the bottom floor of your house first and work your way up. The items on the second floor are likely to stay safe and dry depending on your home’s location.Hurricane preparedness is not something to take lightly. Make sure your entire family knows and agrees with your plans well in advance of any danger.