menu

Hurricane Disaster Preparedness


BEFORE A HURRICANE or TROPICAL STORM

  • Prepare an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. (Click Here)
  • Know your surroundings, the elevation level of your property, and whether the land is prone to flood. Also Identify levees and dams that may pose a hazard.
  • Learn evacuation routes.
  • If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.

Tips from Irene and Super Storm Sandy

  • Cash – Make sure to keep plenty of Cash on hand.  Do not assume you will be able to use a credit card to buy food or gas, or medicine.
  • Fill all prescriptions now.
  • Have a UPS Battery backup device ? Charge it NOW.  Or go to local office supply store and buy one.
  • Do you have any LED lights (Holiday Lights ?) . Take them out.  You can plug these into any UPS Battery, or other power source. They last all night and take little juice.
  • Have USB devices to charge ? (Phones ?), get many, many, external battery devices. Charge them now.
  • Water, buy plenty of bottled water or seltzer.  You don’t know if you will be able to trust the public water supply.
  • Fill up your cars
  • Prepare your generator (if you have one).
  • Texting – Often works when cell service is spotty. Create a group chat with important people.  Check in with each other often, or at pre-scheduled times.
  • Make sure phones are set to maximize battery.
  • Buy Batteries.

SECURE YOUR PROPERTY

  • Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows but 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install will provide protection.
  • Install straps to fasten your roof to the framing structure.
  • Keep trees and shrubs around your home manicured.
  • Clean rain gutters and downspouts of debris.
  • Reinforce garage doors to avoid structural damage from wind.
  • Plan storage for outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, etc.
  • Pre-determine how to secure any boats.
  • Install a generator.
  • Consider building a safe room.

Other useful links:

Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Everyone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (NFIP) Web site, www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419.

Emergency Supply List from Ready.gov – Click Here

 

We offer more than just a policy

See what we can do for you today