Hurricane Season Is Here.
Be Prepared.
Hurricane season is upon us. Being prepared can help you, your family or your business minimize the impact of a storm. The best time to start is before the threat is imminent. Here’s what you need to know.
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Stay Informed
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Monitor any approaching storms at National Hurricane Center.
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Prepare Your Home
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Remove damaged trees and limbs.
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Secure loose rain gutters, downspouts, windows and doors, including the garage doors.
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Take photos or video of the interior and exterior of your home to document the pre-storm condition of your home.
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Make Sure You’re Covered
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Review your current home and business insurance policies to ensure that you have adequate windstorm coverage as well as flood insurance.
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Most standard homeowners insurance policies do NOT cover property damage caused by a flood. With all of the flooding throughout the U.S. in recent years, it is a good idea to carry flood insurance.
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If your home or property is damaged and you need to make an insurance claim, make sure you educate yourself on the process and your rights under your insurance policies.
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For Hurricane claims, click here: Tips to Manage the Insurance Claim Process
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For Flood claims, click here: Flood Insurance Claim Do’s and Don'ts
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Plan the Basics
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Know your evacuation route.
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Fill up your car with gas.
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Purchase extra gas if you have a generator.
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Make a disaster supply kit including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, a battery operated or hand-crank radio.
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Gather critical documents like identification, health insurance cards, car insurance cards, passports, wills, insurance policies, and any important contact information.
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Stock up on supplies like water, non-perishable food, pet food, and medications. You never know how long you could be without power or access to a store. Be sure to get enough essentials to last you and your family several days.
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Charge your portable electronic devices, including phones, laptop computers, and digital cameras.
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What to Do When a Hurricane/Storm is Close
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Heed all evacuation warnings and instructions from authorities.
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Close storm shutters.
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Check all surge protectors or unplug sensitive electronics.
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Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting so food will last longer if there’s a power outage.
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Stay alert! Check TV, radio, or weather.com for the latest updates.
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What To Do During a Hurricane/Storm
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Remain inside at all times, even if the storm seems calm. Storm conditions can change or worsen quickly.
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Shut all interior doors and stay away from windows and glass doors.
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Seek shelter in an interior hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest level of your house or under something sturdy, like a well-constructed table.
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What To Do After a Hurricane/Storm
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Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
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Check in with family and friends by texting or using
social media, like Facebook’s new disaster safety, check in site
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Stay away from debris and downed power lines.
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Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. If you must, grab some tall rain boots or waders. Flood waters are often contaminated.
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Photograph all damage to your property to document any insurance claim.
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File a claim with your insurance company for damages caused by the storm.
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For Hurricane damage claims, click here: Tips to Manage the Insurance Claim Process
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For Flood damage claims, click here: My Home Flooded. Now What?
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