5 ways to prepare for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30. Have you taken the right steps to prepare your home and family for the worst?
The thing is that no one can be 100% certain of the damages that a hurricane can bring. That’s why you must prepare for the worst-case scenario and hope for the best. If you haven’t purchased flood insurance, remember there is a 30 day waiting period before coverage becomes active.
Here are five ways that you can prepare for this Hurricane Season:
- Make sure your home inventory is up to date (including photos!). I have prepared an easy guide for you to make sure your home inventory is accurate! Having an up to date home inventory will prevent you from having to remember everything in your home in the event of a catastrophe. It will also save you time as you will have already filled out the necessary information needed for an insurance claim.
- Review your insurance policy. Make sure that you have adequate coverage for both your home and personal property. Be sure to update your agent with any new and relevant information regarding your home. Recently renovated or got a new roof? Let your agent know. Take this time to note your deductible and be prepared to pay in the event of a loss.
- Stack up on emergency supplies now! Do not wait until the last minute. Check out this article to build your kit now.
- Try to protect your home from as much damage as possible. Hopefully, you have kept up with your home maintenance and repairs; however, if you did not, you need to get busy this weekend!
- Be sure to trim branches away from your roof.
- Replace weak and old doors, including your garage door.
- Sealing outside wall openings will prevent water leaks.
- Look into investing in storm shutters to protect your windows.
- Check for loose landscaping materials that could become a hazard in the event of strong winds.
- If you live in a mobile home, be prepared to secure it in the event of strong winds. The same thing goes for your boat or RV.
- Make room to put away any outdoor furniture or loose items.
- Know your evacuation route now. https://www.ready.gov/evacuation
Hurricanes are out of our control, but how we prepare for them is not.
Being prepared well ahead of time will ease the burden of a last-minute evacuation. If you are someone with high anxiety, make sure you discuss the need to be prepared with your family. It will ease some of the tension during an evacuation.
The Curious Confidential: Have you ever had to evacuate the last minute? What do you wish you would have done ahead of time?