The National Hurricane Center has predicted that we will have a busy hurricane season this year. Are you prepared? If not, don’t worry – you still have time to get ready! In this blog post, we will discuss how you can determine your personal hurricane risk, find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and review/update insurance policies. We will also provide tips on how to make a list of items to replenish hurricane emergency supplies and start thinking about how you will prepare your home for the coming storm.
Determine Your Risks
The first step in preparing for hurricane season is to understand your risks. To do this, you need to know two things:
- The types of hurricanes that can affect your area
- How vulnerable your home and property are to these types of storms
If you live on the coast or near a river, you are at risk for a storm surge. Storm surge is the rising of water caused by a hurricane’s winds. This can cause severe flooding and damage to homes and buildings in its path. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you should consider evacuating during a hurricane warning.
If your home is not located in a hurricane evacuation zone, you may still be at risk for high winds and heavy rains. These can cause damage to your home, power outages, and flooding.
Knowing your risks will help you make decisions about what steps to take next in preparing for hurricane season.
Develop an Evacuation Plan
If you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, you should have a plan in place for evacuating your home. This plan should include:
- A list of evacuation routes
- A list of places to stay – hotels, friends/family homes, etc.
- Information on how to get there – car, bus, train, etc.
- What to take with you – important documents, medications, etc.
Once you have your plan in place, make sure to share it with your family and friends. That way, everyone knows what to do in the event of an evacuation.
Prepare Your Home
There are a few things you can do to prepare your home for a hurricane. These include:
- Trimming trees and shrubs around your property
- Securing loose items around your yard – lawn furniture, grills, etc.
- Boarding up windows and doors
- Installing hurricane shutters or impact-resistant glass
If you live in a mobile home, consider evacuating during a hurricane warning. Mobile homes are not as sturdy as stick-built homes and can be easily damaged by high winds.
Review Your Insurance Policy
Now is the time to review your insurance policy. Make sure you have adequate coverage for your home and belongings. Most people tend to forget to review their homeowner’s insurance policy but this is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for hurricane season. You can even call a local property adjuster for a free policy review to make sure you’re fully protected.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November. That means we still have some time to get ready. But don’t wait until the last minute!
Watch The News and NOAA Advisories
As we get closer to hurricane season, start paying attention to the weather reports. This will help you stay up-to-date on any potential storms that could affect your area. You should also sign up for NOAA advisories. These are issued by the National Weather Service and provide updates on incoming storms.
Be Kind and Help Your Neighbors
Remember, we’re all in this together. If you see your neighbor struggling to prepare for the hurricane, offer to help. Maybe they need a hand trimming trees or boarding up windows. Or maybe they just need someone to talk to. Whatever it is, lend a helping hand where you can.
If The Inevitable Happens
Even if you take all the necessary steps to prepare for hurricane season, there’s always a chance your home could be damaged. If that happens, stay calm and follow these steps:
- Contact your insurance company to start the claims process
- Get representation and get in touch with a professional insurance adjuster.
- Take photos or videos of the damage to your home
- Make any temporary repairs needed to prevent further damage
- Start the cleanup process
Hurricane season can be a stressful time but by following these steps, you can help reduce the risk of damage to your home. Stay safe!
Trusted Insurance Adjuster
We hope you have the basics on How to Prepare for Hurricane Season and if you live in North Florida you can count on American Premier Claims Consultants to be your professional insurance adjuster, we are here to help you in the claims process and represent you.
Our Public Adjusters will meet with your insurance company’s representative and negotiate on your behalf to make sure you recover all the money you are entitled to under your policy.
You can schedule a FREE POLICY REVIEW by calling us at 844-313-3155
