What tools and supplies do you need after a hurricane? This will not only make life easier, but will help to prepare for hurricane damage.
STOCKING SUPPLIES YOU'LL NEED TO DEAL WITH HURRICANE DAMAGE
The hurricane is coming and you are in the bullseye! Stock up on food, water and batteries and other hurricane supplies for you and your family. In our rush to stock up and keep our family safe, we sometimes forget to stock up on supplies to make emergency repairs.
BASIC SMALL TOOLS
Basic small tools need to be handy after the hurricane. A hammer, utility knife, stapler, tin snips or heavy duty scissors and a pry bar are necessities. Other helpful small tools include a hand saw, screwdrivers, scrapers or putty knives. A gas operated chain saw, with gas and oil available, is invaluable. Keep a rope handy as well as an ax or hatchet and pruning shears. An
ordinary fire extinguisher for all types of fires, labeled ABC, will help keep your family and
home safe as well as garden hoses. The wheelbarrow will be used over and over again.
CLEAN UP SUPPLIES
Cleaning up after a hurricane may seem like an insurmountable task but can be much more
manageable with the correct supplies. Large, 33 gallon plastic garbage bags are great for not
only cleaning up debris, but can be used as a poncho to keep rain off you. These large garbage
bags can also be used to protect household items; such as using the bags as garment bags.
Gloves protect not only from germs and unsanitary conditions but keep our hands safe while
cleaning up brush. Bleach is invaluable after a hurricane, from killing mold and mildew to
purifying water for bathing. Do not use bleach for any water used in food preparation or
drinking water. Rakes and shovels help clean up light debris outside. Rake the debris into piles
for later removal, do not burn as fire services may not be available. Buckets, mops and
brooms will also be needed for cleanup after a hurricane along with a non rinse type cleaner.
TEMPORARY REPAIRS
Plastic tarps will keep your roof covered temporarily to protect your home but should not be
thought of as protection for your family. The plastic tarps will only help protect from further
moisture. Rolls of plastic sheeting can also help protect the home and possessions. Masking
tape and duct tape can be invaluable for attaching the plastic or tarps to the building as well as holding broken glass in place. A good ladder will be necessary for indoor and outdoor repairs. Along with small tools, a good supply of nails and screws, as well as extra plywood will keep your home safe from the elements until permanent repairs are made.
IN ADDITION
After the hurricane hits, common sense needs to prevail. Stay away from power lines, do not
try to start electrical power to your home, wait for the electric company. Cut branches that
block your path but avoid power lines, do not clean your entire lot. Do not cut branches that
will cause danger, let your insurance company take care of that. Take photo's of your damage
before cleaning up. Assume that all water is now contaminated and do not drink it or use for
cooking. As soon as possible, contact not only your insurance company but the local utilities
and county as well; they can tell you when repair is likely to occur in your neighborhood. Take
photo's of everything for your own personal record and the insurance company before any
repairs or replacements. At this point in the recovery, protect but do not repair.
Preparing for a hurricane is so much more than stocking up on food and water. Preparing your
home, inside and out, is also important. Having supplies on hand to repair damages will help
you and your family in the long term.
