Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season
The best time to prepare for a storm is well before one is on the horizon.
Having a plan in place is key to protecting your property and your family in a hurricane or other emergency event. An effective plan will help you answer questions like: what you will do if water, gas, electricity or phone services become unavailable; where you will go if you have to evacuate; where you will move your vehicles if they are in a flood-prone location; how you will protect fine art and other collections; or, if you own one, what you will do with your boat to prevent damage.
For help creating your own hurricane plan, view these step-by-step instructions. You can also view resources from the National Weather Service. In additional to a comprehensive hurricane plan, the below advice and resources can help you reduce risk to your home well in advance of hurricanes, windstorms and flooding.
How to prepare for hurricane season
Have the trees on your property inspected annually
Protect your home from the risk of falling trees during a hurricane or other storm by having them examined by a certified arborist. This helps to ensure they are healthy and stable. Contact our team for assistance with scheduling a complimentary assessment from an arborist in your area.
Schedule an assessment with a roofing specialist
The older your roof is, the weaker and more exposed it may be to wind and water damage in a hurricane. A roofing specialist can conduct a thorough review of your roof and soffits to identify any loose or missing tiles and other issues so they can be corrected before hurricane season.
Ensure storm shutters are operating well
If your shutters need to be installed manually, be sure that your contract to have them fitted is up-to-date. Confirm that your contractor will be able to put them in place at short notice if a hurricane is forecast.
Invest in a permanently installed generator
Consider investing in a generator to avoid damage associated with power outages.
Reduce the potential for flying debris
In advance of a hurricane, protect your home by clearing the surrounding areas of fallen branches, yard ornaments, lawn furniture and other items that may become wind-borne debris. In coastal areas, if you are re-landscaping your driveway or garden, consider alternatives to gravel or stones.
Make use of today’s technology
In an emergency situation, like a hurricane, your smartphone can be a very valuable tool. In addition to providing you access to useful news and weather apps, it can double as a flashlight, backup storage for vital documents and photos and a tool to help you to locate family members.
Understanding your coverage
In addition to the above, it is important to speak with your broker to make sure that you have the proper coverage in place ahead of the season. Flooding is the most common natural disaster and a frequent byproduct of hurricane season, yet flood damage is not covered by a traditional Homeowners policy. Talk to your independent insurance broker about your options for flood coverage, including PURE Flood Solutions®.
