Hazardous weather can strike at anytime. Being prepared and resilient are critical to successful outcomes in these types of incidents. 

When hazardous weather is forecast the Mount Vernon Fire Department responds professionally and unconditionally. We ask that you take precautions PROACTIVELY to help all of us manage risks.

Tips for surviving severe storms

Anyone who's ever survived a severe storm or hurricane knows that the damage to home and property can be overwhelming, emotionally and financially. The property damage attributed to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 hit $81 billion, and property damage attributed to Hurricane Sandy in 2012 hit $68 billion. The annual hurricane season traditionally runs from June 1 to November 30, but a severe storm can appear suddenly at any time of the year.

What can you do to be safer during a storm

•    Organize important papers. Gather your important papers and store them off-site, in a bank safe-deposit box or some other secure location. Your mortgage, home and auto insurance policies, birth certificates, passports and other important papers should be in a safe, dry location that you can access even if your home is damaged. Store other papers and keepsakes in plastic, sealable bags on a high shelf to avoid flood damage.

•    Create a home inventory. Having an inventory or list of your possessions will expedite insurance claims after the storm. Keep it with your important papers off-site. It's much easier to file a claim with an existing inventory rather than trying to create one during the stressful post-storm period.

•    Put together an emergency kit. The type of emergency kit needed will depend on where you live and the type of emergencies you may encounter. These items can come in handy if you have to leave your home and temporarily move into a public shelter.

•    Create an easily accessible emergency fund. If you can do this, it will help make your post-storm recovery smoother.