- 1). Tell everyone in your family how to turn off the gas in your basement. If you have to leave the area due to a hurricane warning, turning off the gas minimizes fire risks. Show everyone how to shut off the main water valve, which is usually located in the basement, to prevent flooding and decrease toxic substances from being released due to flooding.
- 2). Invest in some hurricane proof windows for your entire house. This includes basement windows, especially if you live in an area known to experience hurricanes. Purchase plastic windows that are shatter proof. In addition, you may want to install storm shutters on basement windows. Tape across any glass that is still exposed to prevent shattering.
- 3). Secure all outdoor objects near your basement such as garbage cans, garden tools or toys. Alternatively, bring loose objects inside. If you have any large trees situated near basement windows, prune any branches that might potentially cause damage.
- 4). Seal any cracks or openings in your basement using waterproof compounds to help protect against hurricane flooding. Erect barriers such as beams and floodwalls to prevent water from entering the basement. If possible, elevate your furnace, electric panel and water tank heater to protect against flood waters.
- 5). Protect the environment. Store any toxic substances in your basement such as lawn chemicals and pesticides in plastic totes or containers. Following Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans was inundated with water poisoned by tons of toxic chemicals including household chemicals, toxic materials and paints from flooded basements.
previous post