May 11, 2021
Agency
Hurricane Season Preparation Guide
Hurricane season 2021 is coming, do you feel prepared? We’re happy to help!
We have compiled a list of things you can do to help prepare for the upcoming hurricane season along with links to articles that can give you more information.
Determine Your Risk
The threat from a hurricane varies depending on where you live. Just because you don’t live close to the coastline doesn’t mean you can’t experience significant life-threatening effects of the storm. It is important to figure out how to best protect your home in advance, rather than in response to an impending storm.
Create an Evacuation Plan
Assess whether you live in a storm surge evacuation zone or if your home would be unsafe during a hurricane. If you are figure out what your plan is if you are instructed to evacuate. You don’t have to travel across the state. You can find a friend
or relative who doesn’t live in an evacuation zone or unsafe home, and see if they’ll let you stay with them in the case of an evacuation. Be sure to plan for your pets as well as most shelters will not allow you to bring them in. Be sure to write the plan down and share it with those who are important to you.
Review Your Homeowners Insurance or Renters Insurance Policy
Don’t wait until after you have a loss to check on your insurance. Make sure you have the right coverage in the case of a claim due to a destructive storm. Make sure you have enough coverage to repair or even replace your home.
Keep in mind that a homeowners policy does not include flood insurance, you would need a separate policy. It is important to get a flood insurance policy in advance as they require a 30-day waiting period.
iii.org/article/hurricane-season-insurance-guide
Create a Disaster Kit
Make sure you have enough supplies to last you well after the storm. There could be a long recovery period and you need to be prepared in the case that water or electricity could be out for a while. Make sure to have non-perishable food, water, and medicine for each person in your family for a minimum of three days. Be sure to also have extra cash, a battery-powered radio, flash lights, and a portable crank or USB charger to charge your cellphone.
You can find more items you may need at ready.gov/kit
Check the Hurricane Readiness Toolkit
Take a look at this seasonal preparedness toolkit. It provides helpful information to help you prepare for an incoming storm.
Strengthen Your home
Make sure your home is in good repair and up to the local hurricane building code specifications. Have the proper panels to board up windows and doors and remember that the garage door is the most vulnerable part of your home. Make sure it can handle the high winds. Other things you can do include collecting loose outdoor items, trimming your trees, and finding a safe location for your vehicle.
Sign Up for Local Warning Systems
When emergencies emerge, public safety officials use timely and reliable systems to alert you. Make sure you sign up for these systems and are aware of what they’re warning you about.
Lend A Hand
Many people, including senior citizens, often need assistance before and after hurricanes. Help your neighbors collect supplies they’ll need before the storm, assist with their evacuation if they are required to do so, and/or check on them after it is safe for you to go outside.
Write Your Plan Down
It’s hard to think of everything in the case of an emergency, but if you plan in advance and write down the details before hand you are less likely to forget what you’ll need when the time arises. Have a list of contacts you will need in the case of the storm including those who live outside of the affected area.
Download this Free, Early Warning App
The app offers free automated alerts, intended to warn you before disaster strikes. It covers a variety of disasters including both natural and man-made hazards.