When a hurricane or tropical storm is approaching the Gulf Coast, preparation time can go quickly. With a storm expected in our area tomorrow, now is the time to take a look around your property and take care of the things you can before conditions worsen.
A few hours of preparation today can help reduce the amount of damage and debris you have to deal with after the storm passes.
Secure Loose Items Around Your Property
Walk around your property and look for anything that could become airborne or damaged by strong winds. Patio furniture, outdoor decorations, trash cans, tools, signs, planters, loose building materials, and other unsecured items should be brought inside or secured as safely as possible.
Do not wait until the weather deteriorates to start moving these items. Strong winds and heavy rain can make outdoor conditions dangerous very quickly.
Check Trees and Limbs
Take a look at trees around your home, business, or property and pay attention to dead limbs, broken branches, or trees that already appear unstable. If you have concerns about a tree, avoid attempting to remove large limbs or trees yourself, especially as the storm approaches.
Once winds and severe weather arrive, stay away from trees and areas where branches or other debris could fall.
Clear What You Safely Can
Make sure drainage areas, culverts, ditches, and other water pathways are not blocked by loose debris or items that could restrict the movement of water.
Only perform outdoor cleanup while conditions are safe. Once the storm arrives, stay indoors and follow guidance from local emergency officials.
Protect Equipment and Property
If you have equipment, trailers, tools, or other valuable items outside, move them to a secure location if possible. Make sure gates, doors, and other accessible areas around your property are properly secured.
Take photos or videos of your property before the storm if it is safe to do so. Documenting the condition of your property beforehand can be helpful when assessing damage afterward.
Stay Informed
The most important part of storm preparation is keeping up with reliable information. Monitor the National Weather Service, local emergency management officials, and local authorities for updates about the storm, evacuation information, road conditions, and other safety instructions.
If officials recommend evacuation, follow those instructions and leave early enough to do so safely.
Have a Plan for After the Storm
Once the storm passes, resist the urge to immediately go outside and begin cleanup. Downed power lines, unstable trees, flooding, structural damage, and other hazards may not be obvious.
Wait until local officials indicate that conditions are safe before assessing your property.
When it is safe to return, take photos of any damage before beginning cleanup, especially if you may need to document damage for insurance purposes.
GCLM Can Help With the Cleanup
Storms can leave behind a significant amount of debris, from fallen trees and limbs to damaged materials and other debris scattered across a property.
Once it is safe to begin cleanup, GCLM can help property owners across Mobile County, Baldwin County, and surrounding areas with storm debris removal, clearing, hauling, and other heavy cleanup needs.
For now, the priority is simple: prepare today, stay safe tomorrow, and let the cleanup wait until conditions are safe.
Stay weather aware, follow local emergency guidance, and take care of yourself and your property. We’ll be here to help with the work that comes after the storm.
