It’s that time of year again…..Hurricane Season. Are you prepared?
Hurricane season begins June 1st and lasts through November 30th, with most of the activity historically occurring between August & October. This year, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration predicts an above normal season.
Before we get into full swing of the season, now is a good time to get your home & your family prepared.
The National Hurricane Center suggests a 4-step plan to ensure your family’s safety during a hurricane.
1) First, develop a written family plan & share it with friends & family. Specifically, the NHC recommends including in your plan:
- Know the types of hazards that could impact your home & family. Be aware of your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
- Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for a hurricane hazard, such as flooding, wind & storm surge. In some instances, your home may not be the safest place.
- Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet (measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles).
- Have an out-of-state friend/family member as a point of contact, so all your family members have a single resource. • Make a pet plan if you need to evacuate.
- Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones.
- Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
- Have a NOAA weather radio & replace batteries every 6 months.
- Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.
2) Secondly, prepare a disaster supply kit with certain items you will need to ride out a hurricane.
Specifically, experts suggest:
- Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
- Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days — non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices — foods for infants or the elderly — snack foods — non-electric can opener — cooking tools / fuel — paper plates / plastic utensils
- Blankets / Pillows, etc.
- Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
- First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
- Special Items - for babies and the elderly
- Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
- Flashlight / Batteries
- Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
- Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
- Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
- Keys
- Toys, Books and Games
- Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight re-sealable plastic bag with insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
- Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
- Vehicle fuel tanks filled
- Pet care items — proper identification / immunization records / medications — ample supply of food and water — a carrier or cage — muzzle and leash
3) Third, make plans now to secure your home. There are certainly things you may be able to do to make your home more secure to withstand stronger storms.
Recent wind technology research has indicated the importance of strengthening the exterior of your house so wind and debris do not tear large openings in it.
Specifically, there are 5 critical areas to protect & the subsequent links will give you additional information on what you can for each category.
1. Roof - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/retrofit/roof.shtml
2. Straps - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/retrofit/straps.shtml
3. Shutters & Windows - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/retrofit/shutters.shtml
4. Doors - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/retrofit/entry_doors.shtml
5. Garage Doors - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/retrofit/garage_doors.shtml
A great time to start securing - or retrofitting - your house is when you are making other improvements or adding an addition. So, if you have home improvement plans in mind, consider these hurricane tips in your planning!
4) Additionally, check your flood insurance coverage!
The National Flood Insurance Program makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners. However, flood damage is not usually covered by your homeowners insurance. Do not make assumptions. Check your policy! And don’t wait! Insurance the day before the storm won’t be available!
Finally, utilize to check your area’s vulnerability & risk of specific hazards.
Examples of resources include online FEMA Hazard Maps, NWS Storm-Ready program, and the Community Vulnerability Assessment Tool.
Hurricane preparedness