Weather Safety Archives - ALE Solutions

How to Prepare for Winter Weather

jessica.collette — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 19:37:43 +0000

Winter weather has arrived! If you haven’t taken precautions to protect your family and home for the season, there’s still time to prepare. Follow our tips and recommendations below, starting with:

Keep your vehicle full of gasoline so that its fuel line will not freeze.
Install (or inspect previously installed) storm windows to help insulate your home.
Have your chimney and heating system inspected and cleaned.
Find a reputable contractor who can test the integrity of your roof.
Weather-strip your doors to prevent cold air and rain from getting in.
Clean out your gutters to prevent debris from clogging and rain from overflowing onto your roof.
Insulate your pipes with plastic to conserve energy and keep heat from escaping your home.
Stock up on supplies before a storm hits (see recommendations below).

If a coming storm has the potential to keep you indoors for days, you’ll want to stock up on at least one gallon of water for every person in your household. Also, have at least three days’ worth of food that will not spoil. To be extra prepared, have these items on-hand as well:

Flashlights
Batteries
First aid kit
Medications
Hygiene products
Tools
Charged smartphones
A hand-crank radio

Additionally, just before the severe winter weather hits, you may want to have all your faucets drip; dripping faucets can keep pipes from freezing. Know how to turn off your water valve as well in case a pipe bursts.

Finally, discuss with your family what to do before a storm hits. Everyone should have a copy of an emergency contact list and know what to do before, during, and after a major storm.

It’s also worth downloading the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) app so that you can receive the latest weather alerts and warnings.

You can learn additional home and weather safety tips at our ALE Solutions blog.

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Your Top Search Questions on Severe Weather Answered!

jessica.collette — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 12:00:35 +0000

To help keep your family and home protected, it’s important to know the facts about severe weather, so you can take appropriate action when needed. We researched some of the most common questions homeowners have about severe weather, and found the answers and solutions.

Q: Can lighting strike in the same place twice?

Yes, it can. The Empire State Building gets struck by lightning about 100 times every year! During a thunderstorm, buildings can get struck by lightning multiple times. Therefore, if you’re out in a storm, don’t run to the last spot you saw lighting strike for protection—there’s no guarantee it won’t hit the same spot again!

Q: Does being inside a building protect me from being harmed by lighting?

Lightning can strike telephone lines, electrical wires, plumbing, and metal door frames. So while it’s definitely better than being out in the open, you still need to seek protection inside a building by staying away from these areas. Also, avoid using phones or taking a bath or shower.

Q: If the weather looks clear am I safe from lighting?

Many people attribute lighting to gray clouds and rain, but lightning isn’t confined to just storms. Even if the sky is clear, lightning can still strike from miles away. In some cases, lightning has hit buildings or people from up to 15 miles away from an actual storm.

Q: If I own a truck or other large vehicle can I just drive through flood waters?

Some people believe that a larger vehicle can drive through deeper water. Unfortunately, a vehicle, even a very heavy one, can float away in just two feet of water. Never drive through floodwaters during a storm!

Q: Do flash floods only occur along streams?

No, flash floods can occur in dry creek beds, urban areas, and even locations where no streams are present. They are extremely dangerous and can happen in areas far from waterways.

Q: What direction do storms and tornadoes move?

Thunderstorms and tornadoes flow in different locations based on the wind and the atmosphere. While it is more common for a storm to move from the west to the east, tornadoes are especially erratic. They can change direction at any moment, so you should never try to outrun a storm in your vehicle.

Q: Can I wait out a tornado under a concrete highway overpass?

Overpasses will actually concentrate a tornado’s winds. This makes the wind stronger under an overpass than it would be somewhere else. If the overpass does not withstand the storm, falling concrete and building materials pose a serious threat to anyone underneath. Find a place to wait out the tornado, ideally below ground level, such as a ditch.

Q: Will opening the windows in my house prevent the glass from exploding during a tornado?

While some people expect an open window to lower the pressure in the homes, it is unlikely to have any positive effect. Homes are not airtight, therefore closed windows do not stop the flow of air. In reality, the violent winds of the tornado and flying debris are the most common causes of building damage. Stay away from windows and exterior walls to keep yourself safe from any flying debris.

Q: Does the amount of damage from a hurricane depend on the wind strength?

While a hurricane’s winds can have a devastating effect, it can cause damage in other ways. Storm surges and flooding are responsible for half of the serious injuries (and worse) from a hurricane. Even if the hurricane is not significantly windy, storm surges can cause excessive damage.

ALE Solutions monitors weather activity 24/7/365. In anticipation of a storm’s path, ALE reserves hotel rooms in advance to ensure availability in periods of high demand. Learn more about ALE Solutions disaster response.

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9 Hurricane Myths Debunked to Mark National Hurricane Awareness Week

jessica.collette — Wed, 31 May 2023 12:00:26 +0000

For as long as hurricanes have been around, there have been myths predicting how and when they will occur, what category they will become, and bizarre rituals that will safeguard you and your home.

The rumor mill swirled so viciously around 2017’s Hurricane Irma, that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had to set the record straight about false reports.

Here are nine myths about hurricanes that have been proven wrong, along with the corresponding facts.

Myth 1:
Hurricanes can exceed Category 5.

According to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifications of a hurricane do not exceed Category 5, no matter how strong a storm’s winds become.

Myth 2:
Taping an X over your windows will keep them from breaking.

Taping a big X over your windows won’t prevent them from breaking during a hurricane, nor will it keep flying debris from blasting through the glass and into your home. According to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), installing storm shutters over windows and glass doors is the best protection. In a pinch, you can ward off damage by nailing temporary plywood boards over the glass.

Myth 3:
Opening doors will stabilize air pressure inside the house.

Many people believe that opening doors or windows during a hurricane—a myth frequently applied to tornadoes as well—will stabilize the air pressure between the house’s interior and exterior, thus warding off damage. But in fact, NOAA cautions that not only will this do nothing to balance air pressure, but it will also leave your home even more susceptible to flying debris and flooding.

Myth 4:
Not all home insurance policies cover everything.

Standard homeowners insurance policies typically don’t include coverage for valuable jewelry, artwork, other collectibles, identity theft protection, or damage caused by an earthquake or a flood. If you live in a particularly high-risk area, research policies are offered directly by the National Flood Insurance Program, administered by FEMA.

Myth 5:
An early start to hurricane season means the season will be bad, and a late start means things will be calm.

The Atlantic hurricane season is June 1st to November 30th. In the East Pacific, it runs from May 15th to November 30th. Experts warn not to assume there’s less risk just because the first months of hurricane season have been calm. It only takes one bad storm to make a hurricane memorable.

Myth 6:
Storing valuables in a dishwasher will guard them from floodwater damage.

The idea behind this popular myth is that because a dishwasher is great at keeping water from escaping, it could also help prevent floodwaters from rushing inside. However, despite being touted as a handy tip by a number of social media users and media outlets, this so-called hurricane hack could potentially ruin your belongings. If your home floods, then experts say so can your dishwasher.

Myth 7:
Only homes and communities on the coast need to be worried when a hurricane is approaching.

Some hurricanes can create strong winds within an area with a 1,000-mile diameter. Although they lose power when they make landfall, they can still bring incredible destruction with them, reaching hundreds of miles inland.

Myth 8:
Hurricanes move slowly, so you have plenty of time to evacuate.

Whether or not an evacuation order has been issued, if a hurricane could potentially strike your community, it is essential to evacuate well in advance of its arrival. Although the storm surge often peaks when the storm makes landfall it is possible for the waters to rise and flood your community hours beforehand. Additionally, evacuation routes can easily become congested to the point of shutting down completely, simply due to the volume of people trying to leave simultaneously.

Myth 9:
A mobile home with tie-downs is a safe place to ride out a storm

If you own a mobile home, it’s a good idea to have straps, or tie-downs, that secure the building to anchors. However, even when tied down a mobile home is not a safe place to ride out a hurricane. If a mandatory evacuation is ordered all mobile home residents should head for a shelter.

To prepare for Atlantic Hurricane Season kicking off in June, check out our hurricane preparedness tips.

When hurricanes hit, ALE is on the ground within 24 hours. Our “Boots on the Ground” strategy allows us to secure properties and hotel rooms on a “first come, first served” basis. Click here for more information.

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10 Fast Facts about Hurricanes You Should Know

jessica.collette — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 12:00:22 +0000

If you live near the Southeast or Atlantic coast, you’re probably familiar with hurricanes. You know how to prepare for one, where to evacuate to, and have a survival kit in place. When a hurricane becomes a tropical cyclone or typhoon though, things can get confusing! Here are some interesting facts about hurricanes and why there are different types depending on location.

When a tropical storm forms over the North Atlantic Ocean and Northeast Pacific it’s referred to as a hurricane. When the same type of storm is formed over the Northwest Pacific Ocean it’s a typhoon. And finally, tropical storms that take place over the South Pacific and Indian Ocean are referred to as cyclones. They’re the same type of storm located in different parts of the world.

Have you ever heard of the “eye” of the hurricane? It’s a real thing! The eye is located in the center of the hurricane. It can be anywhere from 2 miles in diameter, to over 200 miles in diameter, but they are typically seen around 30 miles in diameter. The winds around the eye of a hurricane are usually the strongest.

The National Hurricane Center was formed on July 1, 1956 in Miami, Florida. The Center declared 2005 the year with the most tropical storms on record, with an astounding 28 storms. The year 1933 comes in second with 21 tropical storms, and 1995 comes in third with 19 tropical storms.

Can you guess where the Hurricane Capital of the World is located? That title goes to an inland in the Caribbean called Abaco where 42 severe hurricanes have happened since 1951. In the U.S., Florida has had more hurricanes than any other state. It has been hit by at least 40 percent of the hurricanes that occur in America.

All hurricanes have names! The National Hurricane Center was the first organization that started assigning female names to the hurricanes in 1953. In 1979, men’s names were included on the list. The names are in alphabetical order, excluding the letters Q, U, X, Y and Z. There are six lists of names. Each list is used in rotation every six years.

A storm name is retired when it causes so many deaths or so much destruction, it becomes insensitive to use the name again. The World Meteorological Organization is in charge of retiring hurricane names and choosing new names.

Hurricanes are determined by wind speeds. While a tropical storm carries winds that travel 35-50 miles per hour, hurricane’s wind speeds are double that and travel for at least 74 miles per hour. Hurricanes are categorized into five types, depending upon their wind speed and their capacity to cause damage. A Category 1 storm is the weakest hurricane with winds having speeds between 74-95 mph; a Category 5 hurricane is the strongest with winds greater than 155 mph.

Most of the category 5 hurricanes occurred in the years 2000-2009. These included: Isabelle (2003), Ivan (2004), Emily (2005), Katrina (2005), Rita (2005), Wilma (2005), Dean (2007), and Felix (2007). Hurricane Katrina is one of the costliest category 5 type hurricanes, which has caused damage over $100 billion.

The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season officially ended on Nov. 30. Regardless, the impact of Hurricanes Ian, Nicole and Fiona, which brought extensive damage to Florida’s coast and Puerto Rico, continue to be felt. In total, this hurricane season produced 14 named storms that reached 39 miles per hour or greater.

On December 6, 2022, Tropical Storm Risk released their early prediction about the 2023 season. TSR expects the season to be 15 percent below average and for there to be 13 named storms, six hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Don, and Emily will be the first five hurricane names of 2023.

ALE Solutions assists in helping residents impacted by hurricanes and other natural disasters. Our “Boots on the Ground” strategy allows us to secure properties and hotel rooms on a “first come, first served” basis. For more information about our Catastrophe Solutions, please visit alesolutions.com

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How to Make a Disaster Preparedness Kit for Your Pet

jessica.collette — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 14:00:29 +0000

Our pets are everything to us. They’re a part of the family. When disaster strikes, we need to be as prepared for them as we are for ourselves. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t know what to pack for pets if they need to evacuate their homes in cases of emergency.

Pet emergency kits should contain supplies for three days if you’re planning to evacuate on foot, and supplies for one week if you’ll be evacuating by car or sheltering-in-place. Here’s a DIY supply list of must-have items for your kit.

These supplies should be restocked with fresh food and medications every three to six months. While the above supplies are necessities, the greatest benefit of building your own kit is that you can tailor it to your pets’ particular needs. For example, a doggy life jacket, rain jackets, booties, and anxiety solutions can also be useful additions to a pet emergency bag.

If you’re more BUY than DIY, you’re in luck. Many websites catering to pets have emergency kits for you to purchase. You can even find an array of choices on Amazon.com. This option also gives you a backup of supplies so you aren’t reaching into your emergency kit for items you use every day.

Lastly (and most important!) if there are any changes to your address or phone number, immediately update your pet’s microchip. This information becomes vital if you are separated for any reason. Also, your pet’s vaccination records and county registration should be up-to-date. Should you need to stay at a shelter or hotel, these items will be required documentation upon check in.

ALE Solutions seeks out pet-friendly housing options for displaced policyholders and their pets. To learn more about our temporary housing solutions, visit us here.

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Tornado Preparedness and Safety Tips

jessica.collette — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 13:45:13 +0000

One look at the current weather reports and you’ll see a common theme across the country: tornados, damaging winds, and flash flooding. At least 22 states, from California to Indiana, are under alert for heavy snow, dangerous ice, high winds, and flooding rain. Nearly 30 million people are under some sort of severe weather threat in the South, with the highest risk near the Gulf Coast.

It’s a scary to think about, but we have safety tips and guidelines to get you through it. Firstly, don’t wait around for a warning to be issued for your area. Have a safe shelter plan in place and an emergency supply kit. Additionally, you should develop an emergency plan for you and your family.

Next, make sure you understand the alerts. The National Weather Service (NWS) has a two-part system in place to warn people of potential and already-formed tornadoes: watches and warnings.

Maximize safety in your home
Your home is your safety, your secure place. Keep it safe by organizing your home to withstand a tornado or other storm, while keeping you safe in it.

Keep furniture such as beds, couches, and chairs away from glass that can shatter (windows, mirrors, and table tops). Secure large appliances and top-heavy furniture with straps, metal bands, cables or bolts to prevent them from toppling over. Install latches or sliding bolts on cabinet doors so dishes and other breakables can’t tumble out.

Finally, keep important documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, visas, insurance policies, and any legal papers in a waterproof and fireproof safe.

An action plan for every place
Tornados can strike without warning due to their unpredictable nature. Within minutes they can destroy neighborhoods, uproot trees, flip cars, and cause instant fatalities. Here are four safety tips to take no matter where you are during a tornado.

Inside your home

Get to a windowless interior room on the lowest level of your house, such as a basement or storm cellar. If you don’t have one of those, go to a bathroom or closet without windows.
Stay in the center of the room and away from corners which attract debris. If there’s a sturdy, glass-free piece of furniture in the room hide under it and hold on tight.
Use your arms to protect your head and neck from injury. If available, use a coat or blanket to cover your face to protect against debris.
Stay inside until the storm has passed. However, if you are in a mobile home get out immediately and seek shelter elsewhere.

In a building

If you are in a large store or mall, quickly move to an interior bathroom, storage room, or other small enclosed area away from glass or large items that can fall on you. Crouch facedown and protect your head and neck with your arms.
If you are in a hospital, school or office building, find the lowest floor. Move to an inner room away from glass or large items that can fall on you. Crouch facedown and protect your head and neck with your arms.
If you are in a church or theater, go under the pews or seats and crouch facedown. Protect your head and neck with your arms and close your eyes from flying debris.
Stay away from elevators, which run on power and can be an electrical hazard.

Outside with no cover

If there is a ditch or low-lying area near you, lie down in it. Be aware of the potential for flooding or lightning strikes.
Crouch facedown and protect your head and neck with your arms and close your eyes from flying debris.
Avoid areas with trees.

In a car

Tornados can change direction quickly and erratically. If you can safely drive away, do so, but don’t try to outdrive a quickly approaching tornado.
If you see a nearby building, evacuate your car and take shelter there.
If there is no building nearby and you cannot drive away from the tornado, exit your vehicle and follow the directions above for “outside with no cover.”

Visit our website to learn about additional weather preparedness tips. ALE’s dedicated CAT Logistics Team meets the needs of the affected area with a scalable disaster response model click here to learn more.

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WHITEPAPER: Disasters Are on the Rise

jessica.collette — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 22:24:56 +0000

Natural disasters occur around the country every year, and they are becoming more and more frequent. This year alone, wildfires have burned over 3.9 million acres. And this summer witnessed an unprecedented five “1-in-1,000-year” floods across the United States; St. Louis and Eastern Kentucky both in July, and Southeast Illinois, DeathValley, and Dallas all in August.

These types of disasters affect the insurance industry, claims adjusters, and policyholders. The insurance industry struggles to run their businesses profitably and effectively; claims adjusters are overburdened with a crushing workload of claims and monitoring the logistics of working with policyholders; and policyholders are often distraught over losing their home and being displaced with an uncertain future.

ALE Solutions, encompassing over 21 years of experience in the industry, is the nation’s largest provider of temporary housing for displaced policyholders and catastrophe teams. ALE has gathered three essential steps adjuster carriers can take to eliminate stressors related to temporary housing, the price to manage displaced policyholders, and other logistical challenges that may come up after disasters strike.

Read the full whitepaper | View the infographic

Here’s a quick look at each of these steps.

Step 1: Partner with a temporary housing expert

Temporary housing providers, like ALE Solutions, act on adjusters’ behalf to meet their expectations by quickly providing an appropriate hotel or temporary residence that meets their specific needs. ALE’s prompt, personalized service means that families can turn their attention to assisting their adjuster with other aspects of the claim process.

Step 2: Save while supporting policyholders

As of May 2022, hotel rates in the United States were, on average, 15% higher than in 2019. ALE leverages relationships with hotels, and pre-negotiated short-term residential locations to place the insured in a residence that makes sense. ALE also provides significant savings on furniture, housewares, and appliance rental costs bypassing along the savings they have negotiated with most nationwide and regional rental companies.

Step 3: Streamline and digitize any logistics management

There are a lot of aspects of the temporary housing process that adjusters are expected to manage. The MyALE.com online claims management portal, ALE’s streamlined portal for adjusters and managers, provides a simple way to manage hotel and long-term claims from any device. MyALE.com integrates with select carriers’ claim platforms to streamline temporary housing management. You can learn more about the MyALE.com online claims management portal here.

ALE Solutions is on-site within 24 hours of catastrophes.

ALE Solutions’ seasoned CAT Logistics Team moves into action within 24 hours to meet the demands of the affected area with a scalable disaster response model thatrapidly expands capacity. The “Boots on the Ground” approach enables an accurate, first-hand perspective of the event. In chaotic situations, the limited availableproperties and hotel rooms go to those on-site and ready to act.

ALE offers hotel, housing, and catastrophe solutions for policyholders and adjusters. Read the full whitepaper here and view the ALE Solutions infographic to learn more.

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Earthquake Preparedness

jessica.collette — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 17:07:57 +0000

Earthquakes are often considered to be the most daunting and destructive of all natural disasters, because of the sheer, unstoppable power that creates them and the fact they occur without warning. Although certain states, such as California, are more prone to experience earthquakes than other states are, the fact is that no one is safe from their devastation. An earthquake may occur anywhere in the United States at any time, and the most effective way to minimize the destruction they can cause is to be prepared and to understand what to do when they occur.

Earthquakes are the result of the movement of the tectonic plates and the shifting of enormous masses of matter in and under the earth’s crust. The tectonic plates form the surface of the planet, and they have been shifting for many, many years. As they shift, the plates may lock together and store vast amounts of energy. When this energy grows stronger than the matter locking the plates together, it is released and has the potential to cause massive damage.

Have an Earthquake Preparedness Plan

By having an earthquake preparedness plan, you can minimize the damage to your property and belongings, reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities, and shorten the time it takes to recover and restore your life to normal. Adequately preparing for an earthquake requires you to complete the following steps:

Securing your home or safe space
Creating a disaster plan
Gathering emergency supplies
Safeguarding important documents

1. Secure Your Home for Earthquakes

The shaking and rattling of an earthquake can easily rearrange all of your furniture and décor into a mass of broken, overturned pieces. You should devise ways to keep everything in place so that no injuries occur. In a study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, approximately 55 percent of earthquake injuries are caused by falling objects.

The easiest way to start is by moving tall and top-heavy furniture away from beds, couches and anywhere people may be sitting, sleeping or otherwise off their feet. The following improvements should also me made:

Move heavy objects from high shelves to low shelves.
Position large appliances away from doors and exits, and secure them with straps or bolts.
Heavy paintings and mirrors should be bolted to studs or hung on closed hooks.
Install latches on all of your cabinets to prevent dishes, pans, and other objects from spilling out.
Secure small objects and knickknacks to shelves with wax or putty.
Replace rigid gas lines with flexible hoses.
Anchor all lighting fixtures hanging from the ceiling.

In addition to securing your furniture, it can also be beneficial to look at the structural integrity of your home.

If your foundation is cracked or damaged, call a contractor to have it repaired.
If your home has a crawlspace under the floors, short walls should be supported with plywood panels.
Ensure your ground floor is adequately braced and can support the rest of the structure.
Reinforce bricks and masonry.

If you rent your home, ask the owner or property manager to make any improvements you believe are necessary for your safety. If your request is refused, you may want to consider moving into a home that is more secure.

2. Create a Disaster Plan

Earthquakes may occur at any time, so it is very helpful if everyone in your family knows what to do should one occur.

Create a plan for evacuating your home (this should include a common rendezvous point outside the home).
Always keep a flashlight and a pair of shoes near your bed.
Identify shut-off valves for natural gas and water and breaker switches for electricity.
Consult your local government for information on community plans and emergency response.
Consider where you might live in the event your home becomes uninhabitable.
Hold periodic earthquake drills.

3. Gather Emergency Supplies

Emergency supplies are essential to staying safe and healthy after a major earthquake occurs. The most important items to have are food, water, and first-aid supplies. Keep a three-day supply of water at a rate of one gallon per person per day. If you have the space, you should store enough water for two weeks. You should also have food for two weeks. All food should be non-perishable and require no preparation. Other supplies you may need are as follows:

Prescription and over-the-counter medications
Dust masks
Whistle
Cash or travelers checks
List of emergency contacts
High-calorie snack foods
Flashlights and batteries
Radio and batteries
Toiletries and personal hygiene products
Basic tools, such as screwdrivers and wrenches
Garbage bags
Cooking and dining utensils and dishware
Blankets or sleeping bags

4. Safeguard Important Documents

To ease recovery after a major earthquake and to help emergency workers, it makes good sense to safeguard important documents. These documents can be kept in a waterproof, fireproof safe or stored in a safety deposit box. Documents that should be gathered and saved are as follows:

Birth certificates, Social Security, and identification cards
Insurance policies
Medical documents
List of valuables in your home
Photographs of each room and all of your valuables

Help be more prepared for disasters by learning about ALE’s disaster response solutions.

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Hurricane Preparedness

jessica.collette — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 17:01:41 +0000

Hurricanes are dangerous tropical storms that form in warm ocean basins. These giant storms follow a natural progression, build force and gain momentum as winds rotate around a central position. In the United States, hurricanes may affect any of the areas along the East Coast or the Gulf Coast, with states running from Texas up to Maine are susceptible to catastrophic damage. Hurricane season officially starts in May, but other parts of the country start in June, all ending in late November.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1-November 30
The Eastern North Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15-November 30
The Central North Pacific hurricane season runs from June 1-November 30

Hurricanes are categorized by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which is a 1 to 5 rating system based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed:

Have A Plan

Hurricanes are unique among natural disasters that technology can provide warning ahead of time, ranging from a few days to a week. Having a hurricane preparedness plan in advance is the best way to deal with these dangerous storm systems.

According to ready.gov, here are some ways to help be prepared if a hurricane is forecasted in your area:

Know your Evacuation Zone – You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with family and pets, and identify where you will stay. To learn the risk for hurricane damage, you should call your local emergency management office or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Make an Emergency Plan – Make sure everyone in your family knows and understands your hurricane plan.
Gather Supplies – Have enough supplies for all family members and pets.
Those with Disabilities – If you or anyone in your household is an individual with a disability, identify if you may need additional help during an emergency.
Review Important Documents – Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents like ID’s are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password protected digital space.
Strengthen Your Home – Declutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture, consider hurricane shutters.
Get Tech Ready – Keep your cell phone charged when you know a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
Help your Neighborhood – Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others.

Food

Food should consist of non-perishable items that require no refrigeration and little to no preparation or cooking. In addition, the food should not require you to use any water. It is recommended that you have enough food to last each family member anywhere from 5-days to 2 weeks. Food should be stored in a dry, cool area and remember to replace all expired items as needed, as well as update yearly based on any changes your family may need.

Canned goods including fruit, vegetables, beans, pasta, meats, soup
Canned milk and juice
Bread
Dry cereal & oats
Granola & nuts
Energy bars
Crackers
Peanut butter
Seasoning
Fruits that need no refrigeration such as bananas, apples & oranges
Baby food or formula, & bottles
Pet food

Water

You will need at least 1 gallon of water per person per day. While most people will only need to drink 2-quarts of water per day, 2-quarts per person should be reserved for food preparation and washing. Store water in plastic bottles or containers that will not decompose or break.

First-Aid Kit

Your first-aid kit should contain a variety of bandages, sterile dressings, and gauze. The kit should also include medical tape, latex gloves, antibacterial ointment, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, scissors, and tweezers. In addition, it is a good idea to stock your first-aid kit with non-prescription medications that may be needed, such as pain relievers likes aspirin, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives.

Clothing & Bedding

Shoes or boots
Rain gear
Umbrellas
Sleeping bags or warm blankets for each family member
Pillows
Hats, gloves & warm coats

Tools & Other Items

Copies of important documents like insurance policies, identification and bank account records (saved electronically or in a waterproof, sealable plastic bag)
Pencil & paper
Cash
Battery-operated radio
Flashlight and extra batteries for each family member
Fire extinguisher
Waterproof matches & lighter
Signal flares
Thread & needle
A basic set of tools; hammer, nails, screws, screwdriver, pliers & a knife
Sanitation products; toilet paper, moist towelettes, etc.
Garbage bags in a range of sizes
Bug repellant
Hand sanitizer (also keep in first-aid kit)
Sealable plastic sandwich bags
Plastic sheeting
Aluminum foil
Plastic cups, plates, & utensils for eating
Manual can opener
Paper towels
Baby diapers, wipes & ointment
Extra pet leash, collar with a up -to-date name tag, travel carrier, food & water bowls
Small grill, with lighter fluid
Rope
Duct tape
Dish & hand soap
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

After A Hurricane

When the storm system has passed, authorities and local officials will allow you to safely return to your home. Upon returning home, be sure to keep the following in mind:

During initial cleanup, be careful and take extra precautions such as wearing protective clothing, eyewear and gloves.
To avoid electric shock, do not touch any wet electrical equipment or go near standing water as downed power lines may be underneath the water.
Try to avoid flood water, as it may contain hazardous debris, chemicals, power lines and other potential dangers.
Phones lines may be down or out of service after a hurricane. Unless an emergency, avoid making phone calls. Instead, use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.

ALE Solutions is here 24/7/365 and ready to serve! We get to the impacted area within 24 hours of the catastrophic event, such as hurricanes. Our “Boots on the Ground” strategy allows us to secure properties and hotel rooms on a “first come, first served” basis. For more information on our catastrophe logistics, please visit alesolutions.com

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Lightning Safety Tips & Myths

jessica.collette — Sat, 08 Feb 2020 16:39:49 +0000

MYTH: If you do not see rain or a storm clouds, you are safe from lightning.
FACT: Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a thunderstorm! This is why it is important to seek shelter at the before a thunderstorm is near and stay sheltered until at least 30 minutes after the last roar of thunder.

MYTH: Lightning only strikes the tallest objects.
FACT: Lightning is random and can strike anywhere!

MYTH: Lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice.
FACT: Lightning can strike the same place twice or more! Each year, the Empire State Building in New York City gets struck by lightning almost 100 times each year.

MYTH: The rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires on a car will protect you from a lightning strike.
FACT: Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning!

MYTH: “Heat Lightning” occurs on hot summer days and isn’t considered a threat.
FACT: “Heat lightning” is a specific type of lightning from a thunderstorm that is too far away for any thunder to be heard, and a storm may be near.

MYTH: Jewelry and watches attract lightning.
FACT: Wearing jewelry or watching in a thunderstorm has no proven record of attracting lightning strikes. However, metal does conduct electricity. During a thunderstorm, it is recommended that you stay far way from any large metal objects, fences, railings, bleachers, etc.

MYTH: If caught outside during a thunderstorm, seek shelter under a tree.
FACT: Never hide under tree during a thunderstorm! This is the leading causes of lightning related fatalities.

Lightning Safety Measures

Stay Inside – Indoors is the safest place to be. Do not use wired devices, stay away from water pipes, faucets, and walls that have electrical wiring.

Head for a Car – If you are not near any sound structures, get in a hard-topped automobile and do not touch any part of the metal frame when inside.

If Outdoors – Distance yourself from tall objects, such as flagpoles, posts, or trees. Stay away from shorelines, railroad tracks, and metal fences.

Note: If you are unable to locate proper shelter, put your feet together, crouch down, grab your ankles, and tuck your head down as far as possible. Do not lie flat on the ground.

Lightning “Danger Zone” Warnings

Protecting yourself from lightning is about avoiding the locations where lightning can strike. Seek shelter immediately if you encounter the following:

Are near large raindrops or hail
See flashes
Hear thunder
See large, towering clouds
Hear static (crackling or popping) sounds on AM radio
See red, orange or yellow sections near you on weather radar (this indicates thunderstorms)

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