Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, we’re all in the same boat come hurricane season. So before any storms can appear on the horizon, it’s wise to make hurricane plans to protect both yourself and your home to the best of your ability. Here’s a checklist of things you can do to make preliminary preparations for any hurricanes that might crop up this season.
Plans to Protect Your Home
- Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind.
- Obtain and prepare any materials you might need to secure your house, such a storm shutters, plywood, and sandbags.
- Keep up on outdoor upkeep that can help minimize wind and flood damage, such as trimming tree branches and cleaning out gutters.
- Check you insurance coverage – flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
Plans to Protect Yourself
- Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home and community for hurricane hazards.
- Determine meeting places and escape routes from your home, work, and schools.
- Keep an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
- Create a plan for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
- Post emergency phone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
- Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.
- Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its batteries every 6 months.
- Take First Aid, CPR, and disaster preparedness classes.
At Title Junction we care about helping you stay informed throughout your real estate transaction. Have questions? Give us a call at 239.415.6574.
In case you missed it, check out our last Title Junction post: Going Green: At Home and In Your Wallet