Essential Hurricane Preparedness
Huestis Insurance Group • Sep 19, 2022
Essential Hurricane Preparedness
Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe than ever before. You can never be too prepared when it comes to Tropical Storms and Hurricanes.
Prepare your Family:
It's important to prepare a Survival Kit that includes items such as bottled water and non-perishable food for everyone, including your pets; medications; flashlights; batteries; and chargers for your cell phones and other portable electronic devices. Fuel up your car and emergency generator (if you have one), plan an evacuation route with your family and create a Home Inventory. Depending on the severity of the storm forecast, you may wish to leave your home prior to County or Provincial Warnings based on your personal needs or comfort.
Forget the grocery run for milk and freezer items - you may lose power! Instead, stock up on bottled water, batteries, candles, and non-perishable items.
Prepare your Home:
Prepare Against Water Damage Heavy rains have the potential to cause significant water damage. These tips can help you prepare your home: Clean debris from exterior drains and gutters. Repair damaged gutters and downspouts so that water can drain away from your foundation. Check your sump pump and the battery backup to confirm they are working properly. Inspect your roof and windows for proper seal and condition
Maintain Your Trees Trees can be a hazard. Broken limbs or fallen trees can cause significant damage your home. Routinely maintain the trees around your home: Prune tree limbs within 15 feet of your home. Inspect trees for cracking or dead limbs and branches. Help neighbors maintain trees that may cause issues to your home (and theirs)
Secure Outdoor Items Move outdoor items (furniture/decor/equipment) indoors before the high winds arrive. Do not store propane tanks inside the house or garage. Chain propane tanks in an upright position to a secure object away from your home.
Inspect, Repair, and Strengthen Your Exterior Structure During a tropical storm or hurricane, wind forces are carried from the roof down to the exterior walls and then to the foundation. Strengthen exteriors by employing a contractor to:
- Install hurricane straps to reinforce roof-to-wall and wall-to-foundation connections.
- Inspect your roof. Board over your windows or entryways, leaving 2 exits for emergency evacuation.
Resist Temptation for Sight-Seeing Allow clear roads for Emergency Vehicles, and do not put yourself, or Emergency Personnel, at risk by tracking the storm. The Atlantic coastline is spectacular during a windstorm, but all too often spectators put themselves, and others, at risk. Stay home or take residence with family/friends for the duration of the storm (unless ordered to evacuate).
Review Your Coverage Most home insurance policies cover windstorm events, but there may be limitations on coverage for water damage. Talk to Us to ensure you have the right coverage for your personal needs.
Wind Speed Categories
Tropical Storm - 36-73mphCategory 1 Hurricane - 74-95mphCategory 2 Hurricane - 96-110mphCategory 3 Hurricane - 111-130mphCategory 4 Hurricane - 131-155mphCategory 5 Hurricane - Greater than 156mph
Prepare a Survival Kit!
Are you prepared for the loss of power during a storm? Service stations, Pharmacies, and Stores may be closed during prolonged power outages or storms.
- Clean Water for Drinking
- Food (Non-Perishable)
- Flashlight / Candles
- Medications
- Cell Phone/USB Battery Pack
- Batteries
- Sanitizing Wipes
- Pet Supplies: Food, Medication
If you must evacuate, or if you are unsafe at home, adjust your Survival Kit as needed. Consider these items:
- First Aid Kit
- Cell Phone Charger
- Change of Clothes
- Blankets
- Sleeping Bag
- Duct Tape
- Pet Carrier/Leash
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