As hurricane season is underway it’s important to be prepared. Hurricanes can shatter lives as well as damage property. Being prepared can help you, your family, or your business minimize the impact of the storm. The best time to start is before the threat is imminent. Here’s what you need to know.
- Plan your evacuation route well ahead of time
If you live on the coast or in a mobile home, you may have to evacuate in the event of a major storm. While you’ll no doubt get instructions from the local government, it’s wise to create your evacuation plan well before a disaster strikes. This way, you can know ahead of time about the nearest shelters, take your pets into account of your plan, and make sure to take important papers and make a trial run
2. Keep non-perishable emergency supplies on hand
When a hurricane warning is issued, people bombard the stores. As much as possible, get ahead of the rush by having the following on hand:
- Extra batteries
- Candles or lamps with fuel
- Matches (keep these dry)
- Materials and tools for emergency home repairs–such as heavy plastic sheeting, plywood, a hammer, etc.
- Prescription drugs
- A three-day supply of drinking water
- Non-perishable foods
- First aid supplies
- A portable NOAA weather radio
- A wrench and other basic tools
- A flashlight
If you need to evacuate, you’ll bring these supplies with you. As expirations dates approach (for example, food or batteries), use the items and replenish your emergency stash.
3. Take inventory of your personal property
Creating a home inventory will help ensure that you have purchased enough insurance to replace your personal possessions. It can also expedite the claims process, substantiate losses for income tax purposes and is helpful should you need to apply for disaster aid. In the event, you need to evacuate, be sure your home inventory is among the important documents you take with you.
4. Review your insurance policies
A hurricane season insurance checklist can help you to understand your coverage and whether it’s adequate to repair or rebuild your home, if necessary, and to replace your belongings
Keep in mind that your homeowner’s insurance covers the cost of temporary repairs for hurricane damage, as well as reasonable additional living expenses (ALE) over and above your normal living expenses if you have to relocate (such as the extra expense of getting to work or to school if your temporary home is in a different community).
However, your homeowners’ policy doesn’t cover flood damage, so you may want to consider looking into flood insurance. If you live by the coast, you may also need a separate policy for protection against wind and wind-blown water damage.
If you have questions about what your current policy will cover or need to augment your current coverage, contact your insurance professional.
5. Take steps to protect your home
Hurricane-force winds can turn landscaping materials into missiles that can break windows and doors and much of the property damage associated with hurricanes occurs after the windstorm when rain enters structures through broken windows, doors, and openings in the roof.
6. Take steps to protect your business
Hurricanes take a toll on businesses, too, so be prepared.
- Create an emergency business response and continuity plan. In the event of a hurricane this will help your business quickly recover.
- Keep contact information for employees, suppliers and vendors current so you can check on their wellbeing and communicate next steps for resuming normal business operations.
- Review your business insurance policies in order to understand what’s covered.
Experiencing a hurricane can be a terrifying experience. However, if you take these steps to prepare you can assure that you can easily ride out the storm.