A Hurricane is a natural disaster that can cause significant property damage and loss of life. Being prepared can help you minimize the impact of the storm. The best time to start preparing is before the threat is imminent. Don’t wait until a hurricane watch is issued because it may already be too late to take certain precautions. Below are a few tips to help you stay prepared throughout the season.

1. Plan your evacuation route well ahead of time

If you live on the coast or in a mobile home, you may have to evacuate in the event of a major storm. While you will no doubt get instructions from the local government, it is wise to create your evacuation plan well before a disaster strikes. This way, you will know ahead of time about the nearest shelters and evacuation routes, etc. and even make a trial run.

2. Keep non-perishable emergency supplies on hand

People tend to run to the stores when a hurricane warning is issued, but they are often too late. It is always wise to stock up on the following items at the beginning of the season.

• Extra batteries
• Candles or lamps with fuel
• Matches (keep these dry)
• Materials and tools for emergency home repairs–such as heavy plastic sheeting, plywood, a hammer, etc.
• Prescription drugs
• A three-day supply of drinking water
• Food that you don’t have to refrigerate or cook
• First aid supplies
• A portable NOAA weather radio
• A wrench and other basic tools
• A flashlight

If you need to evacuate, you can bring some of these supplies with you. As expiration dates approach (for example, food or batteries), use the items and replenish your emergency stash.

3. Take an inventory of your personal property

Creating a home inventory will help ensure that you have purchased enough insurance to replace your personal possessions. It can also speed the claims process, substantiate losses for income tax purposes, and is helpful should you need to apply for disaster aid. In the event you need to evacuate, be sure your home inventory is among the important documents you take with you.

4. Review your insurance policies

A hurricane season insurance checklist can help you to understand your coverage and whether it is adequate to repair or rebuild your home, if necessary, or to replace your belongings. Keep in mind that your homeowners insurance covers the cost of temporary repairs for hurricane damage, as well as reasonable additional living expenses (ALE) over and above your normal living expenses if you have to relocate (such as the extra expense of getting to work or to school if your temporary home is in a different community). However, your homeowner’s policy doesn’t cover flood damage, so you may want to consider looking into flood insurance. If you live by the coast, you may also need a separate policy for protection against wind and wind-blown water damage. If you have questions about what your current policy will cover or need to augment your current coverage, contact your insurance professional.

5. Take steps to protect your home

Hurricane force winds can turn landscaping materials into missiles that can break windows and doors. Much of the property damage associated with hurricanes occurs after the windstorm when rain enters structures through broken windows, doors and openings in the roof. While retrofitting your home to protect against these possibilities is undoubtedly an expense, you can do it in stages.

• Replace gravel or rock landscaping materials with shredded bark, which is lighter and won’t cause as much harm.
• Cut weak branches and trees that could fall on your house and keep shrubbery trimmed.
• Install storm shutters to protect your windows from breakage. Alternately, fit plywood panels to your windows, which can be nailed to window frames when a storm approaches.
• Make sure exterior doors are hurricane proof and have at least three hinges and a dead bolt lock that is at least one-inch long.
• Sliding glass doors should be made of tempered glass and, during a storm, covered with shutters or plywood. These types of doors are more vulnerable to wind damage than most other doors.
• Replace old garage doors and tracks with a door that is approved for both wind pressure and impact protection. Wind coming into your home through an opening this large poses grave problems for the rest of your home—especially your roof.
• Seal outside wall openings such as vents, outdoor electrical outlets, garden hose bibs and locations where cables or pipes go through the wall. Use a high quality urethane-based caulk to prevent water penetration.
• If you live in a mobile home make sure you know how to secure it against high winds and be sure to review your mobile home insurance policy.
• If you have a boat on a trailer, know how to anchor the trailer to the ground or house—and review your boat insurance policy.

6. Take steps to protect your business

A hurricane can take a toll on your business too, so be prepared.

• Create an emergency business response and continuity plan. In the event of a hurricane this will help your business quickly recover.
• Keep contact information for employees, suppliers and vendors current so you can check on their wellbeing and communicate next steps for resuming normal business operations.
• Review your business insurance policies in order to understand what’s covered.

For more information of preparing for a hurricane, or to find help if you or someone you know has been affected you can visit FEMA or the American Red Cross.

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