We are now heading into hurricane season and according to reports, the worst of it is still yet to come. According to NOAA, the 2020 hurricane season is predicted to be an above-average one.
The hurricane season is expected to last until the end of November. If you live in an area that often experiences hurricanes or tropical storms during this period, then it’s important that you’re prepared for the season. To that end, here are some of our hurricane preparedness recommendations:
Have a Plan
Once you know that you’re in a hurricane zone, you ought to have a plan for your hurricane response or evacuation (if necessary). Take some time to sit with your family (or close friends) and develop an emergency plan that includes how you will communicate, where you’ll go and what you’ll do in the event of an emergency. Make sure everyone knows and has a copy of this plan, and keep an extra copy with your emergency response kit or in another safe place where it won’t easily be destroyed in a disaster. Start at the Ready.Gov emergency plan webpage.
Strengthen Your Home
Prior to a storm, make sure to take some time to conduct routine maintenance tasks around your home to decrease the likelihood of incurring damage. Trim tree branches around your home, as they can become a source of debris during a storm. If you don’t have storm/hurricane shutters, keep plyboard/plywood or other materials closeby to board up windows and glass doors. You may also want to safely store patio or outdoor furniture. If you have a garage or covered carport, make sure to move your car inside to prevent damage.
Prepare an Emergency Response kit
If a hurricane hits and you’re confined to your home without utilities, having an emergency response kit will be a lifesaver. Some basic things to include in your kit are water, first aid kit, flashlight, emergency medication, canned goods/non-perishable foods, spare batteries, etc. We are still in the midst of a pandemic so you also need to ensure you have essential items to help protect you and others from contracting or spreading COVID-19 (face masks [at least 2 for each family member], hand sanitizer with a 60% or higher alcohol concentration, disinfectant, wipes, soap, etc). You should also ensure your hurricane/storm shutters, emergency generator and other essentials are well maintained.
Review Your Coverage
In the event that you occur damage to your home or you incur an injury during a hurricane or tropical storm, you’ll need to make a claim with your insurance company. It’s a good idea to be a step ahead of the curve and review your policy to ensure you know what will be covered and what won’t. To ensure you get the most out of your claim, you may also want to consider hiring a public adjuster.
Keep useful numbers on standby
Keep emergency numbers closeby. This may include the number for a reputable water restoration company like H2O Drying Solutions, your insurance agent, emergency phone numbers, etc. Print them out and seal them in a plastic bag/ material that would prevent them from getting water soaked or otherwise destroyed.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to stop a hurricane or tropical storm, but you can take the necessary steps to ensure as little damage as possible. At H2O Drying Solutions, we work with a number of insurance companies, we offer quick service to help you deal with emergencies, and we serve both North Carolina and South Carolina. Call H2o Drying Solutions at (877) 251-1751.
