Hurricane Preparedness in 2019
Erin. Lorenzo. Olga
. Fernand.
No, they’re not characters from a new hipster show on Netflix – they’re names for 2019’s Atlantic hurricanes, and we could be hearing a lot more about them once Atlantic Hurricane Season gets underway on June 1.
While Maryland does not often suffer a direct hit from these powerful storms, even their remnants can still do significant damage to our homes, and could leave at least some of us without power.
One of the best ways to cope with those power outages, of course, is to install a whole-house backup generator, which can restore power to your home almost immediately after the grid goes down. In a time where severe weather is becoming more commonplace, a backup generator is fast transforming from a luxury to a necessity in home comfort.
If you’re not ready to invest in a backup generator, however, planning for severe weather becomes all the more important. Here are some steps to take in the coming weeks as we inch toward Atlantic hurricane season.
- Listen to your local authorities and evacuate if you need to! If you do, use extreme caution when returning to your property.
- Create an emergency plan and review it with your family. Post a list with our contact information plus numbers for emergency services, along with instructions for turning off propane, electricity, and water.
- If you have an aboveground propane tank, make sure it is securely anchored!
- Make sure you have enough heating oil or propane in your tank to last at least a week or more in the event of road closures. If you have a propane powered backup generator, check your fuel levels before a major storm approaches.
- If severe weather threatens your safety, shut off your gas. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank if it is safe to do so. Also, turn off the gas supply valves located near individual indoor appliances.
- After severe weather passes, check the area for downed power lines, damaged gas lines, or damage to your tanks and appliances.
- Inspect your fuel-burning appliances for damage if it is safe to do so. If the appliances have been damaged, contact us for service immediately.
- NEVER turn on a light switch, use any power source, or inspect your household appliances while standing in water!
- NEVER use outdoor, fuel-burning appliances indoors or in enclosed areas! This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death.
Be safe this hurricane season! If you have any questions about severe weather safety, or if you need to schedule a propane or heating oil delivery, contact Carroll Home Services today.
