IBHS News Releases

Tampa – While wind won’t be much of a problem for coastal residents watching Hurricane Alex, keeping water out should be the focus.  The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has some reminders to help protect homes and businesses from rain and water damage.

First things first:

• “Batten down the hatches.”  Be sure to close and lock all windows, doors, skylights and vents in your home to prevent water intrusion. 
• Seal off low openings.  If you’re in a flood prone area or near roads that are expected to flood, seal off the base of doors with sand bags or plastic sheeting and tape.

When it’s safe to begin cleanup:

• Turn off electrical power. Do not use electricity until it is safe to do so.
• Disconnect all electronics/electrical equipment and move it to a safe, dry location.
• Ensure that natural gas sources are safely secured.
• Secure the exterior to prevent further water intrusion, if necessary. This can include making temporary roof repairs, sealing cracks or tacking down plastic sheeting.

If there is water inside your home or office:

• Remove as much standing water as possible from inside the building.
• Begin to remove water-damaged materials immediately.
• Ventilate the structure as best you can with fans and/or dehumidifiers.

Immediate action reduces the amount of damage and increases the chance of salvaging usable materials. It will also reduce the amount of rust, rot, mold and mildew that may develop, and lower the likelihood that the water will lead to structural problems.

For more information, visit the Hurricane section of this web site, or call toll-free, 1(866) 657-IBHS (4247).

IBHS is a national nonprofit initiative of the insurance industry to reduce deaths, injuries, property damage, economic losses and human suffering caused by natural disasters.