How to Prepare for a Hurricane.  A cyclone can cause widespread devastation during and after it occurs. This guide from FEMA is developed to help you effectively get ready for a typhoon and understand how to secure yourself during and after one. Preparation and preparing can make a huge difference in safety and resiliency in the wake of a cyclone. The ability to recover quickly following a hurricane needs a plan that focuses on preparedness, advanced preparation, and an understanding on what to do in the event of a typhoon.

 1. Register for regional alerts and warnings Screen local news and weather forecast and sign up the weather alerts!

2. Develop an emergency situation communication strategy with your family, roommates, and even your work environment Prepare to leave by evaluating your emergency situation communication plan, finding out evacuation routes, belonging to remain, and packing a "go bag."

3. Stock emergency materials You can develop your materials in time by adding a few items each week or month. Gather before hand the required products you will need to stay safe after the hurricane passes and as you start to recover. Stock food products that do not require refrigeration and will last. Frequently change products like water, food, medications, and batteries that go bad gradually. For a total list of emergency products, go to ready.gov/ prepare and then inspect them off your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist once you include them to your emergency situation kit.

4. Safeguard your property You can safeguard your house and residential or commercial property by setting up sewer backflow valves, anchoring fuel tanks, examining insurance plan, taking photos of your house before the storm, and cataloging belongings.  If you have hurricane shutters then don't forget to lock them in place.

5. Get your documents in order Collect and THOROUGHLY secure vital monetary, medical, academic, and legal documents and records. Keep these files in a water resistant pouch and in an accessible place.

6. Listen to police Follow guidance from regional authorities, coast guard, and police. If encouraged to evacuate, grab your "go bag" and leave immediately.

7. Safeguard yourself from the aspects For defense from high winds, stay away from windows and seek shelter on the lowest level in an interior room. Transfer to greater ground if there is flooding or a flood caution. Never ever walk or drive on flooded roads or through water.

8. Call 9-1-1 if you are in life threatening risk If you feel that you are in danger and your life's on the line, do not think twice to call 911. Law enforcement is here to help.

9. Returning to the area Only return to the area after authorities state it is safe to do so. Do not go into broken structures up until they are checked by qualified professionals.

10. Be aware of your environments Watch out for downed or unsteady trees, poles, and power lines. Do not remove heavy debris on your own. Wear gloves and sturdy, thick-soled shoes to safeguard your hands and feet. Do not consume faucet water unless authorities say it is safe. 

We know that roofs can get hot in the summer time.  What does this mean for the building in general and me in particular?  Since the dark colored roofs absorb some of the sunlight, it can greatly increase the temperature.  Black or dark colored roofs can be from 140-190 degrees, metal roofs are a little cooler, but still come in around 140 degrees.  The reason this matters is that the constant exposure to heat and the powerful suns rays have a cumulative effect of breaking down the materials quicker, and adding to cooling costs for the building.  If you are looking to replace your current roofing, make sure you bring this point up with your roofing contractor, to get the best product available.  If you have any questions about roofing please give us a call and we would be glad to answer your questions.