From June through November, hurricanes are at their peak. During hurricanes, heavy rains and winds can severely damage or destroy homes and businesses. In the interest of hurricane preparedness and to help you plan and remain safe during these damaging storms, below are a few reminders, tips, and checklists:
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When a Hurricane Threatens
“Hurricane preparedness is all about planning…and implementing your plan.”
- Insurance documentation:
- Ensure you have copies of your insurance policies and the claims phone numbers for your insurance company. If you need copies of your policies, contact your Bankers Insurance agent.
- Make an up-to-date log of all of your possessions with photographs.
- Review your insurance policies.
- Stock up on necessary items such as bottled water, canned goods, a can/bottle opener, flashlights, battery-operated radio, nails, tarps, and plywood.
- Cover windows and doors. These are the weakest portion of a structure and should be protected from flying debris. Should one window be broken, all others are at risk due to pressure variations. opens in a new windowFEMA’s Guide to Protection of Openings
- Secure outdoor furniture and all loose outdoor articles. Even heavy items can become airborne in hurricane-force winds.
- Trim tree limbs or shrubs that may damage roofing or siding. If tree limbs are near your home, now is a great time to cut them back so that, while whipping about in the wind, they don’t strip off shingles or siding.
- Make sure you have at least three gallons of water per family member, canned food for at least three days, and a can opener.
- Don’t forget your pets in your hurricane preparedness efforts! Ensure you have enough pet food and supplies for them as well.
- Place important, valuable papers in waterproof bags.
- Refill prescriptions, fill up your vehicle with gas, and withdraw at least one week’s worth of cash. Power outages may interrupt these services.
During a Hurricane
- Listen to your battery-operated radio for instructions from local authorities on evacuation and safety guidelines.
- If staying at home, seek shelter in an interior room away from windows, such as a closet.
- If the electricity goes out, use a flashlight; do not use candles.
After a Hurricane
- Inspect your home for damage.
- Take all necessary steps to prevent further damage from occurring.
- Contact a trained expert to turn off damaged utilities and appliances.
- Drink only bottled water until tap water is deemed safe.
- Contact your insurance agent should a claim need to be filed.
Hurricane Preparedness Apps and Websites
opens in a new windowReady.gov
An excellent website that explains what actions to take when you receive a hurricane watch or warning from the National Weather Service. It also provides tips on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.
opens in a new windowNOAA Now App
This app is a great source for the latest information on severe weather in your area, including status updates about storms, tropical systems or weather watches.
opens in a new windowRed Cross First Aid App
A must for any hurricane preparedness plan. This app is a great source of information on what to do in common first aid situations. From videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice, it is an excellent source for how to provide first aid to someone in need.
FEMA’s app provides information on how to prepare for several different types of disasters. It contains an interactive checklist for emergency kits, how to plan emergency meeting locations, and info on staying safe and recovering from a disaster. A new feature allows you to receive weather alerts from locations you select, making it easy to track severe weather near your family and friends.
opens in a new windowPreparing for High Winds
Realtor Robert Dekanski provides a thorough guide to preparing home or commercial structures for high wind situations. Tips include preparation of doors, windows, roof, and siding, to name a few.