With the start of the 2022 hurricane season right around the corner, you may be wondering how to effectively prepare your home. Depending on the severity of a hurricane, it can certainly damage your property or business, but having proper preparations in place could make a big difference. Here’s what you should know about preparing your home for hurricane season.
KEEP ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES IN STOCK
People typically rush to the store to buy essential items right before a storm. It’s best to have these items on hand in advance so you don’t have to deal with stock issues later.
Some recommended items include:
- Water
- Flashlights
- Batteries and portable phone chargers
- Non-perishable food
- Hygiene items (toilet paper, soap, first aid kid, etc.)
- Full tank of gas
REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE POLICY
Avoid waiting until after you have a loss to check your insurance policy. Take some time before hurricane season begins to review your homeowners or renters insurance. It’s important to ensure you have the right coverage in case you’re hit with a disastrous storm. It’s also smart to create a home inventory to make it easier if you have to file a claim with your insurance company for damaged items.
PROTECT YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS
Hurricane winds can cause debris to damage your property’s windows, doors and roof. However, there are steps you can take to protect and minimize a hurricane’s impact on your property.
Consider the following steps:
- Replace rock landscaping materials with shredded bark
- Cut branches and trees that could fall on your house
- Install storm shutters or plywood panels to protect your windows
- Secure loose objects in your yard
- Place sandbags around your entryways
PREPARE AN EVACUATION PLAN
In the case of a catastrophic hurricane, it may be necessary to evacuate your home. Create a checklist of everything you and your family need to pack when evacuating including valuables, important paperwork, medications, and clothing. Make a plan for getting your family and pets ready to go in case of an emergency and review the plan so you are all on the same page.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Hurricane season starts June 1st and ends November 30th, making it important to have a gameplan ready in case of an emergency. Remember to stay updated with weather news during this time through television, radio or social media. Use these preparedness tips to create a plan that you can use each hurricane season.
