With hurricane season in full swing, are you prepared for an emergency? Every storm can be unpredictable and it’s important to be ready for anything. The key to hurricane preparedness is research and careful planning. Here are 6 tips that could save your life during a hurricane.
1. Have a Plan
There are many facets to creating a hurricane plan. First, know your zone and evacuation routes. This way you won’t be scrambling once the storm hits. It’s also essential to have a family communication plan. Phone service may be impacted during the storm. Agree on where to meet both locally and out of town in case you get separated. Make a list of emergency contacts that’s in your phone and also written down. It may also be helpful to make contact cards for each family member.
2. Protect Your Property
Several factors can impact your property during a storm. High winds and flood water can damage your property. There are a few preventative things you can do to protect your home. FEMA suggests clearing your gutters of debris, trimming any large trees, anchoring your mailbox and fence, and moving any outdoor furniture. You also can board up windows and doors, and strap down your roof using hurricane straps.
3. Stock Up on Supplies
It’s important to have all the essentials when a storm strikes. Even if you plan to ride out the storm, make sure that you prepare a go bag. This should have at least two weeks work of medication, important documents, cash, cell phone charges, first aid supplies, a change of clothes, and any specialty items for children or pets. If you are staying through the storm, plan on stocking up on non-perishable foods, water, flashlights, and batteries.
4. Fill Up Your Car with Gas
Something that can easily be overlooked is making sure your car has gas. If power is down, gas stations won’t be open. To safely evacuate or move to higher ground, make sure your vehicles are in good working order. There may be long lines to fill up your car before the storm, so plan ahead.
5. Follow Emergency Notifications
If authorities advise you to evacuate, take action immediately. It’s a good idea to have a crank radio so that you can get emergency updates. Sign up to receive emergency alerts and notifications from your local emergency management office. Monitor weather reports and updates from the National Hurricane Center.
6. Review Insurance Policies
Make sure to call your home insurance company before the storm. Homeowners’ insurance policies typically cover damage from hurricanes. However, you may have a separate deductible. A hurricane insurance deductible is sometimes higher than your policy’s standard deductible. It may be helpful to know any exceptions to your coverage or certain conditions. For Example, if you own a mobile home, you may not be covered unless you evacuate with your mobile home.
Stay Safe During a Hurricane
Staying safe during a hurricane is of utmost importance. Remember important tips for during a storm. For example, don’t try to drive through standing water. If you are trapped by flood waters try to get to higher ground like your roof until emergency services can assist you. Most importantly, remember to listen to local emergency management agencies and evacuate if necessary.