Hurricane and Storm Preparations

Maine communities are more prepared than many to manage “hard weather” and weather emergencies such as hurricanes and rain/wind events.  Emergency agencies have plans in place and are “at the ready” to protect residents and businesses.  Sometimes overlooked is what can be done to protect municipal assets from loss.  MMA’s Risk Management Services has provided this list as a prompt for preparing for a major weather event.

Secure outdoor property:

Remove all loose debris

Anchor or relocate all nonessential equipment (including plants, decorative items, chairs, tables, etc.) to a safe indoor location.

Anchor all portable buildings (storage sheds) and equipment (trailers) to the ground.

Make sure outdoor signs are properly braced.

Secure indoor property:

If an area (basements, garages, ground level structures, etc.) has a history of flooding or is likely to flood, remove all stored materials and secure mechanical services.

Move important files, books and documents away from windows.  Those on the first floor should be placed on tables or otherwise raised off the floor in the event the first floor becomes flooded by either increased tidal action or excessive rainfall.  Use of large plastic bags will help protect items from water damage.  It is advisable to have a supply of heavy sheeting, duct tape and some sandbags set aside for securing first floor doorways against flood water.

Disconnect electrical appliances and equipment, such as computers, typewriters, copiers, coffee makers, electric clocks, calculators, etc. to prevent their being damaged due to blown transformers or excessive surge when electric power is restored.  Use plastic and duct tape to cover computers, especially those located beneath roof valleys, roof drain plumbing, etc.

Secure all vent hoods, exhaust louvers, etc., from wind and rain.

Service and test the building’s emergency power generator under load to make sure it is operating.

Check drains on the roof of the building to ensure that they are clear and able to drain off the heavy rain which usually accompanies a hurricane.  Clogged roof drains could cause the roof to collapse from weight of accumulated water, or cause damage to the interior of the building if water on the roof becomes deep enough to cover vent pipes and run down inside the building.

Test sump pumps.  Make sure screens are clean, floats unobstructed and the pump runs.  Don’t automatically rely on sump pumps without inspection and testing!  If valuable items would be damaged if the pump fails, relocate them.

Secure vehicles:

The best place for an automobile or truck is in a garage.  If a garage is not available, the vehicle should be parked close to the building on the side away from the wind.  Find high ground; do not park vehicles in flood prone or low lying areas.

Vehicles should not be parked near a tree that might fall or where power lines might fall. 

For more information regarding severe weather preparation, please visit Maine Emergency Management’s website at www.maine.gov/mema.