Hurricanes can cause a lot of damage to properties and shatter how you live. As we are in the middle of hurricane season, it is important to be prepared if one of these devastating storms hits where you live. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your homes and businesses.
1. Have a plan to get out
If you live in a mobile home or on the coast it is important to have a plan to evacuate. The local government will issue instructions in the event a storm hits. It is wise to have your own plan and know where the nearest shelter is located to make sure you know where to go in the event of an emergency.
2. Keep non-perishable emergency supplies on hand
When a hurricane warning is issued, the stores get over crowded with people getting the last-minute supplies. Get ahead of this rush by having a small stockpile on hand.
- Extra Batteries
- Candles or lamps with fuel
- Matches (stored in dry places)
- Materials and tools for emergency home repairs – such as heavy plastic sheeting, plywood, a hammer, etc.
- 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, bring these supplies with you. As expiration dates approach on food and batteries, use these items and replace them
3. Take an inventory of your personal property
Having a home inventory will help ensure you purchase a reliable insurance policy which will cover your personal possessions. It can also speed the claims process, sustainable losses for income tax purposes and is helpful should you need to apply for disaster aid.
4. Review your insurance policies
It is important to understand a basic 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. Your homeowners policy may not cover the event of a flood however.
5. Take steps to protect your home
High winds from a hurricane can turn landscape materials into high velocity projectiles which can break windows or doors. These types of damages is why it is important to secure the areas around your home as well.
- Replace gravel or rock landscaping materials with shredded bark
- Cut weak branches and trees
- Install storm shutters to protect your windows
- Make sure exterior doors are hurricane proof
- Sliding glass doors should be made of tempered glass
- Replace old garage doors and tracks
- Seal outside wall openings
- Secure any boats or trailers so they are anchored to the ground
Following these steps can help you prepare in the event a major storm hits. Able is more then ready to assist with emergency board-up services. Give us a call if you need to secure your property.
