Preparing For A Storm: Apartment Style

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Are apartment buildings safe during a storm?

There is a common misconception that large storms don’t have as much of an effect on big cities and that a building as large as an apartment complex is too big to have any real damage. While this might seem easy to believe there are actually a number of storms that hit Charlotte, NC, each year.

We have compiled a few tips on how to prepare for a storm from the safety of your apartment. 

• Keep canned and pantry-safe food and drinks on hand. 
• Have flashlights and extra batteries ready. 
• Make sure you have a first aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, and other essentials that are up to date, don’t forget medications, as well as antibiotic ointments, can go out of date and become less effective. 
• Keep in touch with loved ones, and have an emergency contact set.
• Pay attention to relatives with special needs, small children, and pets who might need extra care during an emergency.
• Find out what emergency plans your community has in place and what the notification system is for emergencies. Know if there is an emergency shelter, and take special care to ensure your pets will have somewhere to go in an emergency. 
• Store all important documents such as insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers, and social security cards in a fire and waterproof box. Consider making copies that are stored digitally in case you are unable to access the box. 
• We also recommend having cash, a checkbook, and credit cards readily available. If there is a major power outage cash may be the only payment tender that stores will accept. 

An apartment building is only as safe as its construction, so a strong storm can cause damage. It is important to have a plan to head to the safest room in your apartment. The safest room is an interior room on the lowest floor possible. We also recommend staying away from the windows as there is a risk of broken glass from severe winds. 

Once the storm has passed check to ensure that water hasn’t entered through windows or doors, and keep a lookout for any water that could make its way through a damaged roof.

If your apartment building has sustained damage during a storm, SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County is here to help. We can assess and remediate any storm damage the building may have sustained. Just give us a call at (704) 840-6112 day or night. 

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