As peak hurricane season approaches, property owners should have plans in place should a dangerous storm approach. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting 2021 to be an above-normal hurricane season. “Now is the time for communities along the coastline as well as inland to get prepared for the dangers that hurricanes can bring,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “The experts at NOAA are poised to deliver life-saving early warnings and forecasts to communities, which will also help minimize the economic impacts of storms.”
It’s not only hurricanes that can wreak havoc. In 2012, residents of the Northeastern Corridor learned first-hand tropical storms can be just as deadly. Superstorm Sandy slammed coastal communities, destroying homes, businesses and lives. “Although NOAA scientists don’t expect this season to be as busy as last year, it only takes one storm to devastate a community,” said Ben Friedman, acting NOAA administrator. Property owners are wise to plan ahead and avoid last minute storm preparation.
PUT PERSONAL SAFETY FIRST
The most important decision involves personal safety. If evacuations are ordered for your area, leave. Property can always be replaced. Don’t gamble with your life.
If you are evacuating the area, pack up necessities, such as prescription drugs, cash and important documents. And don’t forget about your pets.
PROPERTY SECURITY
If a storm is approaching, there are steps to take to secure your property and valuables. Protect what you cannot bring with you. Stash valuable items that you must leave behind – such as a large screen T.V. – and lock them up in one room. If you have a home security system, install a fresh battery. Then power down your system until after the storm. Most looters won’t be out in the middle of a hurricane. Save your backup battery until the storm passes, but when the power may still be out. Contact the folks at Delco Alarm Systems for a backup battery. We’ll be happy to help.
If an area has been hard-hit by a storm, those who failed to evacuate may break into your home looking for food, clothing and other necessities. They may pass by a property with a security system to look for an easier target. With backup batteries in place you’ll be able to check the security cameras on your smartphone and keep an eye on your property from a remote location. In addition to burglar alarm systems, which will notify you if doors or windows are breached, cameras, glass-break and water sensors are also great tools to have in your property security toolbox.
No security system is invincible during a natural disaster. Flooding, high winds or long-term power outages can knock cameras out of alignment or your system off-line. But simply by having a security system in place, you have an extra layer of security for your property.
The professionals at Delco Alarm Systems can help you protect your family and your property. Call us at 610-494-9100.