As your Boston real estate agent, I truly hope that you are
all safe and sound in your Boston homes after “Frankenstorm” Sandy’s visit. The
experience and the photos will make this one Halloween in Boston, MA that we
won't forget!
Does anyone have a story or photo to share? If so, please
do! Leave a comment or email me!
Now that the worst is over, I want to help you get back to
everyday life as quickly as possible here in Boston, MA. Here are some tips
I’ve gathered for how to get back on your feet after a hurricane.
If you lost power:
Columbia Gas of Massachusetts recommends Boston homeowners
and renters turn off all electrical power in the house, including all appliances.
If you do notice a gas odor or a burning smell, leave your house and call a gas
company. Set up a gas-powered generator outside on a dry, level surface. Do not
hook one up to your home’s wiring!
Without power, that also means your fridge and freezer
aren’t working, and much of your perishable food won’t be safe to eat. Here are
tips to keep in mind:
- Keep the doors to the fridge and freezer closed as much as possible, to keep the cold air in.
- On average, a full freezer will stay good for two days as long as the doors remain closed. A half-full freezer’s food will stay good for one day.
- Once your power does turn on, the temperatures of your refrigerator and freezer should read 40 degrees or below. If it’s higher, your perishable food may be unsafe to eat, like raw meat and dairy. Check for discoloring or odd odors.
If you have kids or pets:
Boston.com recommends going outside with your pets to ensure that they stay away from
downed power lines or animals that may have been driven to higher ground due to
flooding. Check your trees to make sure that none have been broken and could
potentially fall.
Find ways to keep your kids occupied indoors. Play games, create
crafts, make no-bake recipes and look through old photos. With trees, power
lines and standing water outside, they’re safer inside.
If you have damage to
your house:
The sad story is that con contractors will be out to get
you, because they’ll know how emotional and desperate you are if your roof is
torn or your windows are blown out. The Federal Trade Commission recommends still
taking the time to get three estimates in writing. Also:
- Never pay cash or more than one-third of the job upfront.
- Ask to see the contractor’s insurance, identification and references.
- Do a Google search on the contractors, or check with The Better Business Bureau.
For more tips, click here.
When driving:
Do not drive through standing water. You have no way of
knowing how deep it is or what is underneath, like sinkholes, or worse, power
lines. If you see power lines, do NOT drive over them or go anywhere near them.
If one falls on your car, try to drive away. If you can’t, keep the engine on,
don’t get out, and wait for help.
If you have water in
your basement:
Check out this handy, detailed article about how to dry the
basement from This Old House.
Plenty of emergency crews are available to ensure your
safety inside your Boston home and all around the Boston, MA area. The worst is
over, but now is time for cleanup and getting our lives back to normal.
If there is any way I can help, contact me, your Boston real estate agent! Stay safe!
Patti Fine
Phone: 617-642-7585
Email: pf@pattifine.com
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