Nothing signals summer like the knot that forms at the bottom of your neck every time the National Weather Service names a new storm brewing near the equator. Not to compound your worry, but if you live inland, you still aren’t safe. Recall Hurricane Michael only last year that affected so many. Yes, it’s that time again. Hurricane season.
Good morning!
But thanks to the NWS, hurricanes no longer spring upon us as they did a century ago in Galveston. Today, we are warned well ahead of time. However, don’t let that give you false security. A day or two before a storm hits is when one should buckle up and head out, not begin preparation. Preparation is for today.
When a Hurricane Threatens
- Stock up on items such as bottled water, canned goods, can/bottle opener, flashlights, battery-operated radio, nails, tarps, and plywood.
- Keep an up-to-date log of your possessions with photographs or videos.
- Review your home and business insurance policy. Ensure adequate limits.
- Cover windows, doors, and secure outdoor furniture.
- Gather three days’ supply: three gallons of water per family member, non-perishable food, and pet food.
- Refill prescriptions.
- Fill vehicles with gas.
- Withdraw a week’s cash since power outages may interrupt payment services.
- Place important, valuable papers in waterproof bags.
- Listen to local authorities regarding evacuation…and comply.
During a Hurricane
- Continue to listen to local authorities regarding evacuation and safety guidelines. Your battery-operated radio is usually best for this.
- Seek shelter in an interior room away from windows, such as a closet.
- If the electricity goes out, use a flashlight, not candles.
- Enjoy the sound of your home creaking in the wind, and pray its builder followed building code.
After a Hurricane
- Inspect your home. If damaged, make necessary repairs to protect from further damage. Keep copies of all receipts. File a claim per your policy instructions.
- Contact a trained expert to turn off damaged utilities and appliances.
- Drink only bottled water until tap water is deemed safe.
Ready.gov is a great preparedness resource. A few other helpful apps we recommend include:
NOAA Now App
A great source for the latest information on severe weather in your area, including status updates about storms, tropical systems or weather watches.
Red Cross First Aid app
Information on what to do in common first aid situations. From videos, interactive quizzes, and step-by-step advice, it is an excellent source for how to provide first aid.
FEMA App
How to prepare for different disasters. It contains an interactive checklist for emergency kits, how to plan emergency meeting locations, and other information on staying safe and recovering after a disaster. It also has an important feature that provides weather alerts from locations you select, allowing you to track severe weather near your family or friends in other areas.
Breathe Easy
With preparation, face the 2019 hurricane season anxiety-free. For more information, contact your Bankers Insurance agent. They will help determine your risks and advise how to cover them. Not a client of ours? Let us compete for your business! Each of our clients is assigned a personal insurance agent and provided their email address as well as a phone number that rings right on their desk.
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