Newsletter - Hurricane Helene - Blu Street Services

Newsletter – Hurricane Helene

Blu Street Services is Closed Today!

In Class Courses are held at our Orlando Office. 771 S. Kirkman Rd. Suite. 110.

Track the Hurricane: Regularly check official sources like the National Hurricane Center (NHC), local weather channels, and apps to monitor Hurricane Helene’s progress.
Sign up for Alerts: Enable emergency notifications on your phone or sign up for local alert services (like AlertFlorida) for real-time updates.

Evacuation Plan: Know your local evacuation routes and shelters. Check if your area is in a mandatory evacuation zone. If you need to evacuate, know the nearest evacuation shelters or friends/family outside the affected zone.
Communication Plan: Establish how you’ll contact family and where to meet if separated. Keep a list of emergency contacts and designate an out-of-state contact to relay information.

Water & Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person per day.
First Aid Kit & Medications: Include essential prescription meds, bandages, disinfectants, and personal hygiene items.
Tools & Supplies: Flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener, multi-tool, whistle, duct tape, and local maps.
Important Documents: Keep copies of IDs, insurance policies, and bank records in a waterproof bag.
Cash: Power outages can make ATMs and card readers inoperable.
Chargers & Power Banks: Fully charge your phone and other essential devices. Have portable chargers ready.

Secure Windows & Doors: Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood. Reinforce garage doors and exterior doors.
Clear Yard: Remove outdoor furniture, grills, and any loose items that could become projectiles in high winds.
Trim Trees: Cut back any trees or branches that could damage your home or power lines.
Sandbags & Flood Barriers: If you’re in a flood-prone area, place sandbags around entryways or use other flood barriers.

Backup Power: If possible, invest in a generator. Make sure you understand how to safely operate it, keeping it outside and away from windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Stock Up on Batteries & Solar Chargers: Have extra batteries for essential devices, flashlights, and radios.

Full Tank of Gas: Fill up early to avoid long lines and fuel shortages. If you need to evacuate, a full tank is crucial.
Car Emergency Kit: Include jumper cables, spare tire, flashlight, first aid kit, and a map.

Pet Supplies: Have enough food, water, medication, and other essentials for your pets. Research pet-friendly shelters or make arrangements if you need to evacuate.
ID & Microchip: Ensure your pets have updated tags and are microchipped.

Review Insurance Policies: Make sure your homeowner’s insurance covers wind damage, and check whether you need separate flood insurance, especially in high-risk areas.
Document Belongings: Take pictures of valuables for insurance claims. Store them in a waterproof bag or save them digitally in the cloud.

Don’t Wait: If evacuation orders are given, leave as soon as possible to avoid being stuck in traffic or caught in worsening conditions. Roads can quickly become impassable due to flooding.

Stay Indoors: Remain in a safe, interior room or storm shelter during the hurricane. Avoid windows and glass doors.
Avoid Floodwaters: Floodwaters can hide dangers like downed power lines or debris and can carry harmful bacteria.
Generator Safety: Only run generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

By following these steps, we can minimize the risks and ensure better safety during Hurricane Helene.