Octobers mark the peak of hurricane season and although the DC Metro area usually doesn’t get hit, when it does residents are usually unprepared and left with hefty damages. Although it looks like we will only be experiencing heavy rains this weekend it’s important to protect your home, trees, and your family by following the tips to survive hurricane season listed below.
Before a Hurricane:
1. Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
2. Be sure trees and shrubs are well pruned and cut down any dead branches.
3. Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.
4.Check your insurance coverage to make sure it reflects the current state of your home. Consider adding flood insurance and coverage for additional living expenses in case your home is uninhabitable after a storm.
During a Hurricane:
5. Listen to the radio or TV for information.
6. Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
7. Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
8. Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
9. Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
After a Hurricane:
10. Inspect Your Property & Trees For Damage:
Look For warning signs such as:
-Fallen trees on houses, cars, and large structures.
-Wires in contact with tree branches.
-Partially attached limbs hung up in the high branches that could fall.
-Cracked Stems.
-Hallow or decayed areas on the trunk or main limbs.
11. After your inspection, if you think you need emergency tree service call 703.573.3029
12. If you have become separated from your family, use your family communications plan or contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit the American Red Cross Safe and Well
13. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
14. Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
15. Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
WHAT TO DO TO PREPARE FOR THE NEXT STORM:
16.Consider A Regular Tree Maintenance Program to help make your trees as resilient as possible to storm damage. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
KEEP IN MIND: We have performed hundreds of storm response jobs and understand your frustration and immediate needs in these situations. In the event of a tree emergency we have knowledgeable Arborists available to help you 24/7. During a hectic storm situation events can move very quickly to make sure you receive the best service possible we have storm emergency protocol that ensures safe practices during these stressful events.
“It was such a pleasure working with RTEC Treecare during a time of crisis. So professional, friendly and kind during my time of need”
-Leigh Ann W. | Burke, VA
