Hurricane season 2016 is upon us. You may be wondering, like most property owners, how active this season will be. The 30-year average is 12 named storms, six hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. The expectation this year is almost identical. Meteorologists expect to see 13 named storms, five hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. You don’t have to remember very far back to realize the devastation just one hurricane can bring. If you haven’t already prepared, now is the time to make sure your family will be safe and your property is carefully protected.
Preparing Yourself and Your Family
First things first, you want to be sure that you and your family are prepared for the risks that hurricane season impose. The safety of you and your loved ones should be a top priority. When a hurricane watch or warning is issued is not the time to begin your preparations – start before the season begins.
Here are a few things you can do to make sure you and your family are ready for hurricane season:
- Know evacuation routes.
- Gather all tools and supplies you may need, including non-perishable food items, plenty of fuel and water, and a complete first-aid kit.
- Be sure you have somewhere secure in your home to shelter in place from the storm if evacuation is not deemed necessary.
- Pay attention to local news sources for information on the weather and any impending danger to you and your family.
- Develop a communication plan and determine a place to meet, should you and your family become separated during the storm and lose phone and internet service.
- Invest in a generator to power the main part of your home and any life-saving medical equipment, if applicable.
How to Prepare Your Home
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you are familiar with the damage that can be caused to your home. And not just from the dangerous wind speeds, but the massive amount of water that is released during the storm. Inland flooding is a deadly hurricane threat responsible for more than half the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the United States. Most homeowners are prepared with insurance policies to cover the resulting damage, but many times are not aware of preventative measures you can take to minimize the risk of said damage.
Here are a few things you can do to prepare your home and minimize the risk:
- Invest in storm shutters for your windows or protect them with plywood boards.
- Secure outside objects that may be picked up by the high-speed winds and thrown against your home.
- Purchase or rent a flood barrier and install it around your home to keep flooding waters from entering your property and home.
Learn More
While there is no way to completely avoid hurricane season, learning how to prepare for hurricanes can literally save your life as well as your home or business. Contact us to learn more about preventative measures you can take to minimize your risks.
