Hurricane preparation is essential to safeguard your property and loved ones. Although hurricanes can be devastating, effective hurricane preparation tips can significantly minimize their impact. Creating a proactive plan is crucial, especially before the storm season starts.
Hurricane season spans from June 1 to Nov. 30, posing threats such as:
-
High winds
-
Heavy rainfall and storm surges
-
Coastal and inland flooding
-
Rip currents
-
Tornadoes
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale helps estimate the potential damage to properties on a scale of 1 to 5, underscoring the importance of hurricane preparation. Coastal flooding, triggered by hurricanes, alongside widespread torrential rains, can cause landslides, debris flow, and flash floods. Here are comprehensive hurricane preparation tips to ready yourself for the season.
Prepare a Survival Kit
Building your hurricane survival kit over time allows you to gather necessary supplies without urgency. Monitor your inventory regularly, especially the expiration dates on essential items like batteries and medications, refreshing them as needed.
The American Red Cross suggests including in your emergency kit:
-
Water: 1 gallon per person, per day (three-day supply for evacuations; two-week supply for homes)
-
Food: Nonperishable, easy-to-prepare items (three-day supply for evacuations; two-week supply for homes)
-
A flashlight
-
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio: ideally a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio
-
Extra batteries
-
A family-size first-aid kit
-
Medications and medical items: such as hearing aids and syringes (seven-day supply)
-
A multipurpose tool
-
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
-
Copies of essential documents: kept in a watertight container
-
A cellphone and charger (crank or solar)
-
Family and emergency contact information
-
Extra cash
-
An emergency blanket: waterproof and windproof
-
A map of the area
-
An extra set of car keys and house keys
-
Pet supplies
-
A manual can opener
Plan for Evacuations
Prompt evacuation is a vital part of hurricane preparation. Be familiar with your evacuation route and have a predetermined destination. Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of fuel and be informed about official shelter locations and their regulations, including accommodations for pets.
Protect Your Property
To protect your home from hurricanes, follow these hurricane preparation tips:
-
Install shutters on all windows as recommended by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Use plywood as a last resort.
-
Clean gutters and extend downspouts to divert water away from your home.
-
Close all interior doors to reduce roof pressure during the storm, as suggested by IBHS and FEMA.
-
Secure loose outdoor items and trim vulnerable tree branches.
-
Seal off small openings with silicone caulk to prevent water ingress.
As the storm approaches, elevate important appliances and furniture, install fresh batteries in sump pumps, and shut off electrical service at the main breaker if flooding is anticipated.
Insurance Considerations
Discuss additional policies like flood and wind damage coverage with your insurance agent, especially if you reside near the coast. Don’t delay securing flood insurance, as there is typically a 30-day waiting period for policy activation.
Your insurance agent can provide more hurricane preparation tips and help clarify your coverage needs.
