Hello World! Welcome Friends! National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts between 9 and 15 named storms this hurricane season. Estimates are that at least 28 Million dollars a year in government funds are provided for hurricane-related expenses.
Significant hurricane damage to a home is approximately 5% of its value. To protect your home, and your loved ones, read on to learn how to prepare your home for a hurricane.
How to Prepare Your Home for a Hurricane
Use this 10 point checklist to make sure your home and your family are safe this hurricane season.
1. Assemble a Hurricane Safety Kit
This should be done in advance, don’t wait till the last minute. Your kit should include the following.
Food & Water: Plan on 1 gallon of water per person, per day and food for at least 3 days (check out freeze-dried camping foods). Don’t forget to include food for pets.
First Aid Kit & Medicines: During hurricane season keep a month’s supply of prescription medications on hand.
Miscellaneous items: You will need a battery-operated radio, batteries, flashlights, candles, and matches. Don’t forget to have some emergency house repair tools available like tarps, plywood, hammer, and nails.
Digital Copies of Important Documents: This includes IDs, birth certificates, passports, health insurance cards, and Social Security cards. As well as, homeowners and car insurance paperwork.
2. Take a Visual Inventory of Your Personal Property
Use your cell phone and take pictures of your home, including model and serial numbers of large items. This will help if the property is destroyed.
3. Take Time to Prepare Your Property
Invest in storm shutters and use them. Also, clean gutters and drains at the start of hurricane season to save you time if a storm approaches. If a storm heads your way bring in any outdoor object that could become a missile (patio furniture, trash cans, etc.).
Know your propane tank sizes and make sure it is topped off regularly during hurricane season.
4. Flooding is Common with Storm Surge
You cannot stop the inflow of water to your home, but make sure you have adequate insurance coverage if you live in a flood zone. Keep sandbags on hand for minor storm surge.
5. Develop a Family Communication Plan
Plan how you will communicate and where you will meet in the event of a hurricane. Often, this may mean enlisting the help of family or friends that live outside of hurricane zones.
6. Know the Zone You Live In
Knowledge is power. Know your storm evacuation zone and head any warnings issued by the National Weather Service and local officials.
7. Determine How You Will Stay Informed
Bookmark web pages for quick access to forecasts, alerts, and instructions. Be sure to sign up with national and community warning systems.
8. Know Your Evacuation Route
Prior to a storm, assess your home’s stability and learn the local evacuation routes. Keep in mind, many shelters don’t accept pets so find one that does or make other arrangements for your pet.
9. Create a Pre-evacuation Checklist
Before a storm hits, make a list of the things you will need to pack and steps to take if you need to evacuate. If you are forced to evacuate emotions will be high and the chances of forgetting something important are increased. A little pre-planning will make a tough situation easier.
10. Wait
The hardest part of being involved in a hurricane is waiting. Know that this too will pass.
Hurricanes can be scary but with the preparation, you can protect your home and loved ones. If in doubt, it is always best to leave verses to wait out a storm. Houses can be rebuilt. People cannot.
Are You In Love with Your Home?
I am Kathryn and welcome to The Dedicated House. Join me on the adventure that is being a stay at home mom, voice teacher, and an avid homebody.
Learn how to prepare your home for a hurricane, the latest recipes, and the transformation of my home to blue, white, and beige tones.
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Roasted Cauliflower & Parsnip Soup
Favorites & Highlights – 2019 Top Posts
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Toodles,
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