It’s the end of August in the deep south. We all know what that means- Hurricane season is looming. With little or no notice, we can find ourselves in the midst of a threatening storm. It’s important to take the time to prepare now, so that if the need presents itself you and your family are taken care of.
Make Your Hurricane Plan
It’s important to have a plan in place before a hurricane strikes. Below is a checklist of items to address in preparation for the peak of hurricane season, provided by the Department of Homeland Security.
Before Hurricane Season:
- Know your hurricane risk. Talk to your local emergency management agency.
- Make an emergency plan.
- Sign up for alerts and warnings
- Make a Family Communication plan
- Plan shelter options
- Know your evacuation route
- Build or restock your basic disaster supplies kit, including food and water, a flashlight, batteries, chargers, cash, and first aid supplies.
- Consider buying flood insurance.
- Familiarize yourself with local emergency plans. Know where to go and how to get there should you need to get to higher ground or to evacuate.
- Stay tuned to local wireless emergency alerts, TV, or radio for weather updates, emergency instructions, or evacuation orders.
- Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so before hurricane season trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
- Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
- Reduce property damage by retrofitting to secure and reinforce the roof, windows and doors, including the garage doors.
- Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.
- Consider building a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter designed for protection from high-winds and in locations above flooding levels.
Natural disasters can be a little bit less of a disaster if you are prepared. Henry Insurance is here to help protect you and your family in all seasons. For more information about Home Owners and Flood insurance or Hurricane coverage in your policy- call us today at 225-927-0451.
Sources:
Ready.gov/hurricanes
Fema.gov
