Hurricane Season Safety Tips

Hurricane season has been a brutal one this year and everyone has their eye on the sky for the next big storm. Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc across the entire East Coast, making it much further north and inland than we’ve come to expect from typical warm-weather hurricanes. Families and homes with minimal emergency planning in the event of massive storms and floods were hit by the legendary storm and we’re all now thinking a little more carefully about being ready for the next legendary-sized hurricane – if not this season then perhaps next hurricane season.

So what are the best ways for a family and household to prepare for hurricane season on the way? Not only should you be watching the weather during any volatile storm season, but there are also a few practical steps you can take to ensure you are safe if a hurricane does blow into you city.

Plan Ahead Before a Hurricane is Incoming

When hurricane season starts, assess your location and decide if you need to plan ahead. Use Hurricane Ida as an example, homes much further from Florida than we thought will need to be hurricane-ready just in case. It’s always best to have your plan ready and your supplies together before the storm warning begin. When you’re already prepared, you’ll be making emergency plans with family while everyone else rushes for a last-minute case of bottled water.

Designate an Evacuation Route and Destination

Know your evacuation route. Most cities, and especially those on the coast, have hurricane and storm evacuation routes already designated. The sooner you evacuate, the safer you will be and its better to have a destination – a friend’s home or a hotel that will get your family out of harm’s way.

Decide on your evacuation destination. Pick the home of a friend or relative or, if none are available in the right direction, pick a favorite hotel where the entire family can meet, even if you get split into different cars when evacuating before the hurricane. Then study your local evacuation routes and remember the path from there to your destination.

Pack the Car for a Hurricane Evacuation Road Trip

Evacuating a hurricane is a lot like rush-hour traffic, but the traffic goes on for many miles and hours. If you get started early, your road trip somewhere safe will be simple.  If you evacuate when the evacuation warning arrives, expect to spend more than a few hours in the car in stop-and-go traffic. So pack the car accordingly. Start with a basic emergency kit including flashlights first-aid, and rain gear. Then add snacks, blankets, pillows, and USB charging gear to make the car as welcoming as possible during a long escape from the city.

Review Your Storm & Flood Insurance Policies

When you are preparing your home for the storm, don’t forget to check your insurance. Review what your Homeowner’s insurance policy covers in terms of storm damage and water damage. Then make sure you have flood insurance including building and contents policy with primary and secondary damage included. Hurricane season is also a good time to update your policy if it’s not ready for storm damage.

Assemble Hurricane Home Safety Kits

You may have to ride out a hurricane at home, or choose to if the storm isn’t too big. When this happens, be prepared to batten down the hatches and stay safe indoors. The most important preparation step is a hurricane safety kit including emergency supplies for up to a week without utilities. Storms can knock out power and contaminate the local tap water, so don’t take this emergency kit lightly.

Make sure there are plenty of blankets and warm clothes. Stock up on fresh water in gallon or larger sized containers. Pack a complete (not just a basic) first-aid kit and don’t forget emergency supplies like flashlights, candles, and plastic sheeting. Extra batteries and a solar recharge kit are also very good ideas.

Keep an Eye on the Weather

Last but not least, know when a storm is coming and decide your plan as soon as possible. If a major hurricane is headed your way, consider evacuating with your family to a safely distant location. If the storm will simply be blowing through but might be intense, hunker down at home and fill the bathtub with fresh water before any utilities go out.

Are you ready for hurricane season? Contact us for more helpful insights.