Keep an Eye Peeled for These Hazards Post-Tornado
Tornados are large, wild storms that can pop up with little to no warning and cause damage in their wake. If you are native to Florida, it is likely that you have heard about, seen, or experienced their effects firsthand. Imagine winds strong enough to tear through towns, tearing trees from the ground by their roots and damaging houses where they stand. After a tornado, many dangers can still be hidden inside your house. Homeowners in these areas need to know what to look for once the storm passes.
In this article, we will go over some great safety tips that you should take when checking your home after a tornado has hit.
Checking on Your Residence After a Tornado: Safety First!
After a tornado has passed and there is no sign of another coming through the area, it might be tempting to go back inside your home to assess the damage. However, safety should always come first before curiosity. Before you think about going inside, it is important to slowly walk around the outside of the property first. This can give you the advantage of spotting dangers like hanging power lines, the smell of gas, or pieces of your home that look like they might collapse. If you are unsure if it is safe to go in, you can opt to hire a professional building inspector to check it out first. Remember to bring a. battery-powered flashlight along with you. A good tip? Turn it on before you go inside. Why? If there is a leak present in your house, even a tiny spark from turning on a flashlight can cause problems. While we love smartphones, it is important to try to save the battery for important phone calls after a tornado hits your area. This will keep the phone lines open for big emergencies. Safety should always be your number one priority!
Look Out for Dangers After a Tornado Hits!
Tornados can cause tons of damage in their wake, and sometimes it is not always the easiest to see the dangers right away. Here are a few warning signs you should make yourself aware of:
- Gas Smell: This is a major red flag! If you smell gas in or around your home, it can mean there is a leak present. Gas leaks can cause explosions if they are not taken care of right away. It is very important to leave the area and seek help right away.
- Water In/Around Your Home: After a tornado hits, there might be water everywhere, and be careful! This water can be dangerous in more than a few ways. First, it can carry electricity from powerlines that have fallen during the storm, meaning stepping into the water can be dangerous, if not fatal. The water can also hide broken glass or other dangerous objects. It is always best to wait for the water to go away or for professionals to tell you that it is safe to enter your home again.
- Burned Areas: If parts of your home have burned down during the tornado, it is important to be extra cautious. Buildings that have been on fire can be weak and might not be safe to go into. It is a good idea to have a professional check it out first.
What You Should Know About Wild Animals After a Tornado
Florida is home to many different animals and critters. After a tornado, some of these animals might be scared and confused, perhaps even displaced. They can end up in areas they don’t typically go to, like your backyard or even inside your house!
- Keep an eye out for Snakes and Other Critters: A thing to be careful of in Florida are snakes and crocodiles. Some snakes can be poisonous. After a tornado, both of these critters can be hiding in piles of broken things or debris. It is always a good idea to use a stick to move stuff around if you are cleaning up. This way, you can see if there is a snake or another larger animal without getting too close and putting yourself in harm’s way.
Conclusion
Living in Miami, FL, means that tornados are something that locals and prospective residents have to think about. Just because tornados are part of daily life, it doesn’t mean you can’t prepare yourself for them! With the help of a trusted agent and the right information to back you, finding the home of your dreams in Miami has never been easier! Trust the real estate professionals at The Raymond International Group to guide you in finding and settling down in the home of your dreams in the many beautiful luxury properties that make up Miami, FL, today.