Preparing Your Plumbing for a Hurricane

The Atlantic hurricane season typically lasts from June to November with an average of 12 major named storms. Staying put amid a mandatory evacuation order is never a good idea. But if you are unable to leave or have committed to staying put, it’s important to prepare your home accordingly. Here are some important precautions to take from a plumbing point-of-view:

• Stock up on bottled water. At home, fill all available jugs and water bottles with clean water. This will ensure you have plenty of water for drinking and cooking in case water, gas, or electric services are shut off. In an emergency, the water inside your water heater offers gallons of safe water for use.

• Fill sinks and bathtubs with water for emergency use. This is the perfect way to store water for cleaning dishes, bathing or flushing toilets.

• Just as the storm is approaching, turn off the main water supply coming into the home to prevent any contaminated water from entering your home plumbing.

• Turn off the electricity or gas to the water heater to prevent it from turning on while the water is shut off.

• If it’s safe to go outside, spend time removing leaves and other organic matter from downspouts, gutters, drains and street drains so that water can drain as quickly as possible.

After the Storm

Do not assume everything is back to normal if it seems your home was unaffected by a storm. Check with local authorities before turning your main water valve back on to prevent contaminated water from entering your home.  If your home has experienced water damage from the storm consider the following tips:

• Stay out of flooded areas of your home to avoid risk of electric shock or chemical contamination.

• Open windows and doors to air out your home. Remove soaked furniture and carpets.

• Contact an IICRC certified water removal and cleanup company. All of them will be busy after a major storm, so get on several waiting lists to maintain your place in line.

If you have any issues returning your plumbing back to normal after the storm, call or schedule service online with Reliance Plumbing.