Tips for Preparing for Hurricane Florence

As Hurricane Florence takes aim at the Carolinas, we’d like to share some tips to help you prepare. These precautionary tips can help keep you and your property safe during a major storm such as this.

Hurricane Florence’s direct path is still unknown, as we know, and many regions, including Charlotte where Eastwood Homes is headquartered, are preparing for – at least – heavy rainfall and strong winds. According to the National Weather Center, as a result of Hurricane Florence, we can expect unprecedented rainfall and possible flooding in many areas of our region.

North and South Carolina are under a state of emergency.  Just as our state and local governments are preparing for the storms, we are striving to make sure our homeowners and neighbors are prepared, too.

While weather reports can be unpredictable at best, we think it is safe to say that we will experience a lot of rain across the Carolinas and into Virginia, with flooding likely. Grounds are already saturated due to heavy rain over the last several days. It’s worth saying that trees are more likely to topple over in wet ground!

We encourage area residents to take a few precautionary measures to prepare for this weekend’s weather. Many of these tips may seem like common sense, but we can never hear them too many times.

Should you incur any storm related damage from this natural disaster, document and report to your home insurance company as soon as possible. Make sure you have your homeowner’s insurance information handy, including policy number and contact information in case you have a claim, such as from flooding or wind damage. Also prepare for power outages by stocking up on extra batteries for your flashlights and keep you electronic devices charged in case of power outages. Have three-days worth of non-perishable food and bottled water per person (and animal). Make sure you have blankets available, too, and trash bags for waste. Have a small suitcase packed and be sure to include any medications that you, your family, and your pets may need. Also, have a current photo of your pets available in case they get lost during the storm or evacuation. 

Another good idea is to download the Red Cross app, now, while you have plenty of power and Wi-Fi available. This app will help you track the hurricane and even lets others know you’re safe or need help even if the power is out.

If you are evacuating your home and community, clear your fridge of perishables and unplug electronics. Move them to your second floor or at least off your floor. If advised by officials, turn off your electricity, water and gas. And board up your windows and brace your door.

In case of flooding, be prepared to move to higher ground. If you need to leave your house, stay to higher ground and do not drive through flooded areas. Remember, it only takes six inches of rain to sweep your vehicle off the road. Also, avoid playing in flooded areas because they can contain sewage, snakes, debris and even alligators in some cases!

Remove any objects around the perimeter of your home that is not secured to the ground. High winds may carry objects over great distances causing damage to your property or the property of your neighbors. In case of high winds, batten down the hatches, as they say. While most of us likely won’t see hurricane force winds, it’s still a good idea to secure any items outside that cannot withstand 50 mph winds, such as children’s toys and bikes, patio furniture and umbrellas, garbage cans, plants and lawn décor and equipment. Secure the cover on your grill, too, and move your grill to higher ground or store inside if you are in a flood plain. Bring as many of these items inside as possible because these items can easily be picked up by wind and could land on your neighbor’s car, or through your home’s window, for example.

A more light-hearted idea (if you aren’t along the coast) is to stock up on some popcorn and movies this weekend because the weather will definitely make it a great time for marathon television watching. It wouldn’t hurt to swing by your local library for a good book, too, and make the most out of this weekend of rainy weather! We hope you all stay safe, and dry!

Please pass these tips along to your friends! Better to be safe than sorry! We appreciate that you have chosen Eastwood Homes as your builder. We care about you and look forward to continually serving you.