Preparing For A Storm: Apartment Edition

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Stay safe and protect yourself during any storm!

In New York City, there is a misconception that large storms cannot have an affect on major cities (for whatever reason), and that any building as large as an apartment complex is too big for a severe storm to do real damage too. 

The number of thunderstorms is much larger than the number of urban areas across the United States, showing that direct hits DO occur more often than you might think. 

Below, we have compiled some notes on what you should do to prepare for a storm, from the safety of your apartment.

• Keep canned and pantry-safe food and drinks on hand.
• Have access to flashlights with an extra set of batteries.
• Make sure you keep a first aid kit available: bandages, ibuprofen, and other essentials are must-haves.
• Keep in touch with your loved ones, singling out an emergency contact to call to verify your safety.
• Pay attention to all relatives with special needs, small children and pets, as they are the most vulnerable.
• Find out what emergency plans are in place in your community and how you will be notified in the event of an emergency.
• Know the hurricane risks in your area and learn the storm surge history and elevation of your area.
• Store away your important documents (insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers, and social security cards) Also have cash, checkbook, credit cards readily available.

An apartment building is as safe as its construction in consideration of the strength of the storm hitting it. And remember, the best place to go in your apartment building during a storm is an interior room on the lowest floor you have access to. It's important to stay away from windows during a storm, due to the risk of broken glass from severe winds.

Looking for a team to help you with cleanup after the storm? SERVPRO of Southern Staten Island is here for you! Give us a call at (718) 979-4100 to have a team sent out to you as soon as possible.