Citrus County Hurricane Claim Attorneys Whittel & Melton: Planning for Hurricane Dorian

Hurricane season begins on June 1, and it is best to prepare for the season before this date. You will want to know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind. Our Citrus County Hurricane Claims Attorneys at Whittel & Melton encourage you to look into the following before a tropical storm or hurricane hits:

• Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation area by contacting your local government/emergency management office or by checking the evacuation site
• Understand NWS forecast products, especially the meaning of website.
• Put together a basic emergency kit with flashlights, generators and storm shutters.
• Before an emergency strikes, plan your evacuation strategy and discuss it with your family. Discuss where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supplies kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster.
• Review your insurance policies to make sure that you have adequate coverage for your home and personal property. Remember flood insurance is separate from your home insurance policy.
• Understand NWS forecast products, especially the meaning of NWS watches and warnings.

As Hurricane Dorian looms over our Citrus County community, be prepared to evacuate. You will want to allow enough time to pack and inform friends and family if you need to leave your home. We also encourage you to do the following:

• Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8 inch exterior grade or marine plywood, built to fit, and ready to install.
• Check the websites of your local National Weather Service office and local government/emergency management office. Find out what type of emergencies could occur and how you should respond. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or other radio or TV stations for the latest storm news.
• Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if ordered!

If NOT ordered to evacuate:

• Ride out the storm in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can.
• Stay away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
• If the eye of the storm passes over your area, there will be a short period of calm, but on the other side of the eye, the wind speed rapidly increases to hurricane force winds coming from the opposite direction.

After a tropical storm or hurricane, there are a few other safety tips we stand by.

• If you evacuated, only return home when officials say it is safe.
• Once you are home, walk carefully around the outside of your home to check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.
• Get out if you smell gas, or if floodwaters remain around the building.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after storms in areas dealing with power outages. Do not use a portable generator inside your home or garage.

Call Us For Help After a Tropical Storm or Hurricane

If you or any family members have suffered harm from Hurricane Dorian, our Citrus County Hurricane Claim Attorneys at Whittel & Melton will be available 24/7 to help you. You can reach us anytime at 352-666-2121.