Are You Ready for Hurricane Season? - Advice for High Net Worth Families from AllSecure Global

April 13, 2010 - PRLog -- After a disaster is usually the time that most persons examine their crisis preparedness plans or begin to think about what they would do in a crisis situation. This “after the fact” thought process works if the disaster happened to someone else. However, it does not work so well if the disaster happened to you or to your family.

According to Colorado State University’s Atmospheric Science Department, the 2010 season will produce 11-16 named storms next year with 6-8 of those storms reaching hurricane status. Of these forecasted hurricane-strength storms, 3-5 storms will be classified as major hurricanes.

Given that high net worth individuals and families often have properties in coastal areas or the Caribbean, proper precautions and preparedness steps should be undertaken before the season begins.  To help get these important processes initiated, AllSecure Global would like to provide some general guidance on hurricanes that would be applicable to most people.  We caution that this is very general guidance and that every person should plan and act according to their own personal situation and circumstances.

About Hurricanes

Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.

Hurricanes can produce widespread torrential rains that lead to flooding, landslides and mud slides, especially in mountainous regions. Flash flooding can also occur due to intense rainfall.  Flooding on rivers and streams may persist for several days or more after the storm.  Accordingly, all persons should be aware of hurricanes and their follow-on aftermath, even persons living far inland.

Again, the following advice is very general advice adapted from various sources, including FEMA. While it is general in nature, it provides a good starting point for crisis preparedness for hurricanes.

Before a Hurricane

To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

•  Make certain you have a personal preparedness plan and a communications plan.  Both of these should be “stress tested” before a disaster in order to assess any weaknesses and to make certain everyone is familiar with what they are to do in an emergency.

•  Make plans to secure your residence. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.

•  Be prepared to secure all valuables in waterproof safes/lockable containers and make prior arrangements for artwork and other valuables that are not easily secured.

•  Make certain meets all hurricane buiding codes.

•  Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.

•  Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

•  Determine how and where to secure your boat.

•  Consider building a safe room.

During a Hurricane

If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

•  Implement your preparedness and communications plans.

•  Listen to the radio or TV for information.

•  Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.

•  Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.

•  Turn off propane tanks.

•  Moor your boat if time permits.

•  Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Make certain your water storage is full and secure.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

•  If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.

•  If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.

•  If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.

•  If you feel you are in danger.

If you are unable to evacuate, go to your wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

•  Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.

•  Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.

•  Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again.

•  Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.

•  Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

After a Hurricane

•  Be aware of new safety issues created by the disaster. Watch for washed out roads, contaminated buildings, contaminated water, gas leaks, broken glass, damaged electrical wiring, and slippery floors.

•  Inform local authorities about health and safety issues, including chemical spills, downed power lines, washed out roads, smoldering insulation, and dead animals.

Before You Enter Your Home

Walk carefully around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.

Do not enter if:

•  You smell gas.

•  Floodwaters remain around the building.

•  Your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.

Going Inside Your Home

Enter the home carefully and check for damage. Be aware of loose boards and slippery floors. The following items are other things to check inside your home:

•  Natural gas. If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside, if you can. Call the gas company from a neighbor’s residence. If you shut off the gas supply at the main valve, you will need a professional to turn it back on. Do not smoke or use oil, gas lanterns, candles, or torches for lighting inside a damaged home until you are sure there is no leaking gas or other flammable materials present.

•  Sparks, broken or frayed wires. Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing in water, or unsure of your safety. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If the situation is unsafe, leave the building and call for help. Do not turn on the lights until you are sure they’re safe to use. Have an electrician inspect your wiring.

•  Roof, foundation, and chimney cracks. If it looks like the building may collapse, leave immediately.

•  Appliances. If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again. Also, have the electrical system checked by an electrician before turning the power back on.

•  Water and sewage systems. If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Check with local authorities before using any water; the water could be contaminated. Pump out wells and have the water tested by authorities before drinking. Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.

•  Food and other supplies. Throw out all food and other supplies that you suspect may have become contaminated or come in to contact with floodwater.

•  Your basement. If your basement has flooded, pump it out gradually (about one third of the water per day) to avoid damage. The walls may collapse and the floor may buckle if the basement is pumped out while the surrounding ground is still waterlogged.

•  Open cabinets. Be alert for objects that may fall.

•  Clean up household chemical spills. Disinfect items that may have been contaminated by raw sewage, bacteria, or chemicals. Also clean salvageable items.

•  Call your insurance agent. Take pictures of damages. Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs.

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About AllSecure Global, LLC

AllSecure Global provides custom emergency preparedness and lifestyle preservation solutions to high net worth families and high profile individuals worldwide to protect them against terrorism, natural and manmade disasters, and societal instability/disturbances.

AllSecure Global’s offerings include customized preparedness services, evacuation services, college/exchange student preparation, expatriate services, safe house programs, executive services, yacht and jet preparation, and many other specialized services.

All of AllSecure Global’s offerings are “turn key” and all necessary equipment and supplies are provided. AllSecure Global provides its services worldwide. Its services are discrete and confidential and are designed to provide safety and security without drawing unwelcome attention.

More information can be found at www.allsecureglobal.com or by contacting Roy Edwards at 202-713-9350.