If you live in a coastal location, chances are you are no stranger to hurricanes. Thats why, when hurricane season hits, it’s important that you stay as prepared as possible. In order to protect your home from floods, strong winds, and falling objects, it’s critical that you have the right safety measures in place. Here are some of the best tips to help you stay safe and secure during hurricanes.
Stay Up-to-Date
One of the most important things you should do is make sure that you stay informed. There are frequent updates on the news letting you know how the storm is progressing, so make sure you follow them regularly. Above all, make sure that if your local authorities suggest evacuating the area, you comply.
More often than not, hurricane-related tragedies are due to people who failed to comply with weather warnings. It’s important that you trust your local authorities and be prepared to do whatever they suggest.
Keep an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is a critical part of ensuring your family’s safety. Your emergency kit should have everything from canned food to plenty of water to a first aid kit. Make sure that you have battery-powered flashlights stored throughout your house, as well as a battery-powered radio. This will ensure that even in the absence of electricity for days on end, you’ll be able to stay up to date with updates and see in the dark.
Those are the basics of an emergency kit, however, some people decide to go even further. Creating a more extensive emergency kit may be a smart way to give yourself peace of mind, knowing that you have absolutely everything you need should a serious emergency occur.
Protect Your House
Hurricanes are capable of tearing an entire house apart. In order to protect your home, you should cover it in wood panels to reinforce windows and doors. Clear all of your gutters so that they’re able to drain any heavy rainfall. You should also ensure that any outdoor items such as grills, patio furniture, or above-ground swimming pools are secured to the ground to avoid them projecting into your home during high winds.
Team Up With Neighbors
Hurricanes aren’t just a personal problem— they’re a community problem that can make a significant impact on everyone affected. Team up with your neighbors and stay in contact with them throughout the storm. Give each other help when needed, and be prepared to accept that some community members may be hit harder than others. Supporting each other is a critical part of moving forward and rebuilding whatever gets destroyed.
Call Your Insurance Company
If you know a hurricane is coming, you should ensure that you have the right policies in place. Call your insurance company and review your policy to ensure you have enough coverage for storm-related damages. They’ll be able to instruct you on the proper steps to take and whether you need to add certain policies on top of what you currently have.
