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A Year Ago Hurricane Irene Devastated Maryland - Are You Ready?

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Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Realty MD RE License 579412

A Year Ago Hurricane Irene Devastated Maryland - Are You Ready?

It's Hurricane Season again and it was exactly a year ago when we were digging out from the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Irene.  Many homes in Maryland were without power for over a week and without telecommunications for much longer. 

Here are a few tips for being prepared:

1.  Have candles at the ready, put candles, matches, batteries and flashlights in a plastic container and put it in a place you'll remember where it is.  When the lights go out you'll be able to find them. 

2.  Have a battery operated radio.  Keep plenty of batteries of all sizes in a dry place so you'll have them in the event of an emergency. 

3.  Have battery back up units for your clock radio's, computers and electronic equipment.  Having a hot spot for your laptop computer isn't a bad idea, maybe one that you pay as you go and is not hooked to an annual plan so you can continue to keep in touch with the outside world, especiallly if you work from home like I do. 

4.  Have a stock of bottled water.  Having a back up Brita type filtering system for water is good too. 

5.  Have a stock of canned food that doesn't need preparation.

6.  We have a gas stove in our kitchen but it has an electronic ignition.  This isn't much good when the power goes out, however, we can light our stove with matches or scripto igniters.  These are also great for lighting candles.  Be careful when lighting that you don't keep the gas on too long before lighting it, this can cause a fire or an explosion.   Be safe.

7.  Keep your insurance documents and similar important information in a safe place.  A home safe that is water proof is a great thing to own.  I remember my parents keeping all this kind of information in a fishing tackle box in the bedroom closet.  Many of us keep similar things in a safe deposit box - which is great except when the power is out and the bank is closed.  It's a good idea to keep the addresses and phone numbers of friends and family here and in the box with candles. 

8.  Know where to get ice in your neighborhood and have coolers available to minimize perishable food loss. 

9.  Have an emergency evacuation plan for your whole family, review it regularly and be sure everyone in your house knows what it is.  In the event that your home is struck by lightening, a tree falls on it or it is destroyed by fire be sure that everyone has a exit strategy and you have a predetermined place to meet up.  Have your children's bedroom windows clearly identified so that fire and emergency crews can help your children exit the home safely. 

10.  Be sure you have battery backed up smoke detectors through out your home and be sure to change the batteries twice a  year.  In the event that you lose power electric only smoke detectors and detectors with dead batteries are not going to help keep you safe. 

And, most importantly, STAY CALM.   I keep a cupboard of board games, card games and things we can do as a family to help pass the time without television and video games.  And, be sure you know who your neighbors are and check on the elderly, disabled and those with young children to be sure they are okay. 

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Creating generational wealth, one home at a time. If you are thinking of buying a home,  did you know I can help you find a home for as little as $1000 of your own money?  Thinking about selling a home in  Maryland give me a call at 410-292-0100 or start your search here and I'll talk about the market conditions and what your home could be worth in today's marketplace if you are thinking of selling.  If you are considering buying a home, there is no better time than now to buy. The tax savings and wealth building alone are worth the plunge into today's market. Coldwell Banker and I are connected with some of the world's brightest and best real estate agents and can assist with your move here to Maryland or anywhere in the United States or abroad.  Ask me how.

During these trying times, Coldwell Banker and I are equipped with the latest technology to sell your home using Virtual Open Houses, Virtual showings, electronic signing, virtual inspection, and even online closings.   You can contact me through Snapchat, Duo, Skype, Google Chat, WhatsApp, text messaging, or simply by phone.  We take your and your family's health and safety very seriously.  

June Piper-Brandon ~ Associate Broker ~ MRP, AHWD, CDPE, ePro

Coldwell Banker

410-292-0100 - Direct   410-461-7600 Office

June Piper Brandon - Agent with Century 21 New Millennium

June Piper Brandon - Agent with Century 21 New Millennium

Comments (1)

William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

It doesn't matter how many times people are warned...they are seldom ready.  But, even if it helps just one family that is one family we don't have to worry so much about.

Aug 28, 2012 12:34 PM