Habitat for Humanity prepares response to Hurricane Michael

ATLANTA (Oct. 10, 2018) — Habitat for Humanity is preparing its response to Hurricane Michael as the storm makes its way through the Florida Panhandle and parts of the southeastern United States. Habitat is engaged with its local organizations throughout the storm’s anticipated path, and is encouraging residents to prepare for the storm.

Donations to support Habitat’s response to Hurricane Michael can be made at habitat.org/hurricanemichael.

Habitat’s capacity to respond will depend on available resources. Its recovery plan will be tailored to the needs on the ground following the storm.

Habitat for Humanity has been helping communities in the United States and around the world recover from disasters for more than 20 years. Habitat’s role is primarily in the long-term recovery of disaster-stricken communities, following the immediate response. Long-term recovery needs tend to be the most underfunded aspect of disaster response and recovery. Storms like Michael tend to most adversely impact the lower-income populations that Habitat serves.

Michael has already made landfall in some parts of Florida; significant storm surge, flooding and dangerous wind speeds are expected. Habitat is encouraging residents to heed the directions of local officials.

For those in the path of the storm, resources to prepare your family and property in advance are available at habitat.org/habitatready. Habitat encourages the following steps during a storm like Michael:

• Listen to NOAA weather radio or television for updated information.
• Be prepared to evacuate, and do so immediately if necessary.
• Keep valuables and important documents in a waterproof container. Consider scanning and sending copies to yourself so that you have an electronic version.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed. If you suspect flooding, duct tape the refrigerator shut.
• If electricity is lost, turn off appliances to avoid power surge when electricity is restored.
• Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water to ensure a supply for sanitary purposes.
• Take refuge in a small interior room (closet/hallway/bathroom) on the lowest level and away from windows and glass doors.

After the storm, it’s important to:

• Continue listening to NOAA weather radio or television for updated information.
• Avoid damaged areas, stay off roads and remain on firm ground.
• Avoid floodwaters. The water may be contaminated.
• Return home only after local officials declare it is safe. Enter your home with extreme caution. Do not enter if floodwaters remain.
• Inspect your home:
  • Leave the house if you smell gas or chemical fumes.
  • Check for damage to walls, the foundation, the electrical system and water lines.
  • Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or other flammable liquids immediately.
  • Notify your insurance company if your home is damaged.
• Help injured or trapped people. Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. Call for help.
• Open windows and doors to help dry the house.
• Check food supplies and drinking water. Anything that has come in contact with floodwater may be contaminated and should be thrown out.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.
• Watch out for snakes and other animals. Use a stick to poke through debris.
• Avoid making phone calls except in serious emergencies.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.