How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Hurricane Damage Preparation Tips

The news is constantly bringing up the ominous "Hurricane" and people are suddenly stocking up as though it's the apocalypse. How should you prepare for the hurricane threat? Follow these helpful steps so you and your home are equipped for what's to come:

General Preparation

1. Know if your home is at risk. It is difficult to truly predict the damage, but pay attention to news reports and weather predictions to have an idea of which areas will be hit harder than others.
2. Prepare an emergency kit and plan. It is better safe than sorry, so have a plan for any emergencies that can put you and your family in danger.
3. Stock up. Make sure you have food, water, and supplies on hand because you will not be heading out for a quick shopping trip in the middle of a hurricane.
4. Know where to go. Learn the local hurricane evacuation route(s) and determine where and how you would get there if need be.
5. Make sure your car;s gas tank is full. You won't be getting far without gas.
6. If your area has an emergency alert system, make sure you and your loved ones are on the contact list.
7. Include emergency service contacts on the list. Some good contacts include: local emergency management office, county law enforcement, county fire department, local hospitals, your property insurance agent, and any other contacts you think you may need.
8. Make your own contact list. People rarely memorize phone numbers anymore so have a written list prepared to call family and friends if necessary.
9. If you have a pet, they are still an important member of the family. Keep them in mind when preparing your emergency kit and evacuation plan (some emergency shelters do not allow pets).
10. If you have kids or adults with short attention spans you will understand the importance of entertainment. Maintain your family's sanity, as well as your own, by having games and activities around to keep you entertained while stuck indoors.

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Household Preparation

1. Get flood insurance so you're insured in case of water damage.
2. Do inventory. Make sure you document the contents of your home to make it easier to file a claim. Use a video camera or other home inventory tool to make life a little easier.
3. Do a little landscaping. Powerful winds combined with trees and branches can cause a lot of damage. Trim and/or remove trees and shrubbery to minimize damage.
4. Clear and secure loose rain gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage.
5. Bring in anything that is not tied down. You don't want the hurricane winds to take your items away and possibly damage your home with them.
6. Secure and reinforce the roof, windows, doors, etc. to avoid excessive property damage.
7. Put the coldest setting on for your refrigerator in case the power goes off so your food stays better preserved. Consider using a cooler for items you use more often to minimize opening the refrigerator doors.
8. If you are residing in a high-rise building, prepare to take shelter on a lower level, preferably on or below the 10th floor.
9. Consider a safe room. If you are living in an area prone to hurricanes, a safe room might be a good investment.
10. The hurricane could cause some power outages so be prepared with a generator for emergency backup power. Keep generators at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture.

SI Restoration wants to ensure that you are prepared and stay safe during this harsh weather. Follow these tips and take precaution.