Transcript World Countries - Telcom Insurance Group

Hurricane Preparedness
Telcom Insurance Group
Hurricane Wind Scale
Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure,
and damage potential. Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major
hurricanes; categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full
attention.
SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE
Category
Winds
Damage
1
74-95
MPH
• Minor damage to exterior of building
• Toppled tree branches, uprooting of small trees
• Extensive damage to power lines, power outages
2
96-110
MPH
• Major damage to exterior of buildings
• Uprooting of small trees and many roads blocked
• Guaranteed power outages for long periods of time
– days to weeks
Hurricane Wind Scale Continued
SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE
Category
Winds
Damage
3
111-130
MPH
• Extensive damage to exterior of buildings
• Many trees uprooted and many roads blocked
• Extremely limited availability of water and
electricity
4
131-155
MPH
• Loss of roof structures and/or some exterior walls
• Most trees uprooted and most power lines down
• Limited road access due to debris
• Power outages lasting for weeks to months
5
More than
155 MPH
• A high percentage of buildings will be destroyed
• Fallen trees and power lines isolate most areas
• Power outages lasting for weeks to months
• Most areas will be uninhabitable
Reinforcing Your Home and/or Business
Home
Take a home inventory of possessions, important documents, and photos to ensure
peace of mind in the event of a hurricane. Protect your house from wind damage by
boarding your windows and doors; water damage by sandbagging around your premises;
and exterior by trimming bushes and limbs.
Business
Create a business disaster plan containing important documents, such as employee and
client contact list, as well as your insurer’s information. Protect your building by
boarding up windows. Create a recovery plan to provide your business with the tools
and resources needed to get your company back on its feet.
New Construction
Make sure your builder follows the most current building codes and standards to
strengthen your home or business. Take steps to harden your roof, walls, doors, and
foundation to protect your house against natural disasters. Confirm with your insurance
provider that your insurance coverage is adequate if repairs are needed after the storm.
Watch vs Warning…Know the Difference
A HURRICANE WATCH is issued when your part of the coast indicates the
possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This watch
should trigger a review of your disaster plan. Protective measures should be initiated,
especially those that require extra time such as securing property, sandbagging, fueling
vehicles and generators, defining key employees, setting up a command center, and
keeping your insurance (Telcom) contact information close at hand.
A HURRICANE WARNING is issued when your part of the coast indicates that
sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours or less. This is the
time to enact your preparedness plan.
Warning…What to do
Once the warning has been issued, your company and your family should be in the
process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during
the storm.
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Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports
Check emergency supplies
Fuel car
Bring in outdoor objects, such as lawn furniture, toys, garden tools and any other
objects that are not anchored
Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows
Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings
Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, and bottles
Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container
Review evacuation plan
Evacuation…What to do
If officials indicate evacuation is necessary
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Leave as soon as possible
Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges
Unplug appliances, turn off electricity, gas and main water valve
Tell your designated family contact or someone outside the storm area where you
are going
If time permits, and you live in a surge or flood zone, elevate furniture to protect it
from flooding or, if possible, move it to a higher floor.
Take Disaster Supply Kit, warm protective clothing, blankets and sleeping bags to
shelter
Lock up your home
Have a Plan
You should have a disaster plan. Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your
company and your family. We can’t forget that not just your company that could be
affected, but your employee’s personally could be effected. Know your vulnerability to
storm surge, flooding and wind.
Locate a safe room or the safest areas for each hurricane hazard. In certain
circumstances the safest areas may not be your office or home but within your
community. In some cases, your telecom offices maybe the communities command
center.
Determine the best evacuation routes and establish a place to meet if you and your coworkers are separated. For your family, have an out-of-state friend as a family contact,
so all your family members have a single point of contact.
Have a “Pet Plan” in place before a storm threatens. Contact your vet or local humane
society for information on preparing your pet for an emergency.
Disaster Supply Kit
Stock your Disaster Supply Kit:
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Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days, including: non-perishable packaged or
canned food/juices; foods for infants or the elderly; snack foods; non-electric can
opener; cooking tools/fuel; and paper plates/plastic utensils
Blankets/Pillows, etc.
Clothing - seasonal/rain gear/sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit/Medicines/Prescription Drugs
Special Items - for babies and the elderly
Toiletries/Hygiene items/Moisture wipes
Flashlight/Batteries
Radio - battery operated and NOAA weather radio
Telephones - fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not
cordless) telephone set
Disaster Supply Kit Continued
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Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - banks and ATMs may not be
available for extended periods
Keys
Toys, Books and Games
Important Documents - such as: insurance; medical records; bank account
numbers; Social Security card; etc., in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
Pet Care Items – such as: proper identification immunization
records/medications; ample supply of food and water; a carrier or cage; and
muzzle/leash
Gas/Fuel - after a storm, many gas stations are destroyed or closed. Make sure to
fill all of your vehicles before a storm
Returning
As eager as you might be to go back, returning to your home or business immediately
after a hurricane can be just as dangerous as sticking around during the storm. Wind
and water damage and the lack of potable water, sanitary facilities, and electricity can
make returning inadvisable. If you evacuate, be prepared to remain away for an
extended period. When it’s finally safe to return, follow these recommendations to
stay safe.
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Return only after authorities advise it’s safe to do so
Avoid loose or dangling power line and report them immediately to the local
power company, police or the fire department
Enter with caution; beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground
by floodwaters
Returning Continued
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Check for gas leaks: smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a
gas leak, immediately leave and leave the door(s) open
– Never strike a match, any size flame can spark and explosion
– Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional
Look for electrical system damage, assume all wires on the ground are electrically
charged, including the cable feeds. Have a licensed electrician check your home for
damage if necessary
Check for sewage and water line damage
Photograph damage for insurance purposes
2012 Atlantic Hurricane Names
2012 Atlantic Hurricane Names
Alberto
Leslie
Beryl
Michael
Chris
Nadine
Debby
Oscar
Ernesto
Patty
Florence
Rafael
Gordon
Sandy
Helene
Tony
Isaac
Valerie
Joyce
William
Kirk
As always, if you need help with Hurricane Preparedness or
assistance after your area has been hit by a hurricane, Telcom is
always there for you – just a phone call or email away.
Please contact Tina Wynter at [email protected] or 800222-4664x3206 if you would like more information regarding
Hurricane Preparedness.
6301 Ivy Lane, Suite 506
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: 800-222-4664 Fax: 301-474-6196
Web: www.TelcomInsGrp.com
Email: [email protected]