How Do You Properly Prepare for a Hurricane?

Why do you need to prepare for a hurricane?

In recent years, the annual Atlantic hurricane season has brought some of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history.

These severe tropical storms may unleash powerful winds and torrential rainfall, often leading to significant health risks, severe property damage and expensive financial ramifications.

Given the potentially catastrophic consequences of hurricanes, ample preparedness should be a top priority. By planning, you may be able to minimize losses and optimize your recovery in the wake of hurricanes.

Key Steps for Hurricane Preparedness

Being prepared for a hurricane can make a huge difference. While weather conditions are beyond your control, you should maximize what you can influence. Consider the following steps:

• Understand forecasts. Familiarize yourself with the differences between various terminology that may be used to describe weather conditions. For example, while a hurricane watch may mean that such a storm could occur, a hurricane warning means that such conditions are now expected.

• Prepare evacuation plans. Before a hurricane, you may need to evacuate your home quickly. Make this process as efficient as and safe as possible by identifying nearby shelters or potential meeting spots, and arranging for all members of your household to know multiple routes to reach them.

• Pack emergency kits. Prepare emergency supplies in case you must hastily leave your home or hunker down inside it. Include drinking water, nonperishable food, a battery-operated radio, a cell phone, extra batteries and a first-aid kit.

• Monitor the news. Check the weather regularly to remain apprised of expected conditions. Adhere to any guidance or orders issued by authorities before severe weather.

• Fortify your property. While there may come a time when you need to abandon your home, there are still steps you can take to protect it in your absence. Cover windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood and address any problematic trees or tree limbs near your home. Additionally, remove any outdoor items, such as lawn furniture, that could be blown about in heavy winds.

• Consider insurance. Be aware of how your insurance may or may not address hurricane-related losses. Floods are typically excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies and windstorms may also be exempt. Work with your insurance agent to discuss ways to ensure you have adequate coverage that may limit out-of-pocket losses following a hurricane.

Get the Right Coverage

At Casey Insurance Brokers, we are fully committed to helping homeowners and families in the Plantation, Florida, area secure their homes and financial interests with suitable coverage. Contact us today to learn more about hurricane insurance or to compare quotes.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.