Preparing for a Hurricane

We are in the midst of hurricane season, and whether you live

in a vulnerable area or are just planning to vacation or travel to one, it is important to be informed for your family's welfare.  Be alert to hurricane notices and get prepared to weather the storm.

The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to late October. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15 and ends November 30.

Protecting you, your family and your property is important to us, and we want you to be prepared if a hurricane comes your way.  The following information and much more can be reviewed in detail on FEMA's site.  But we've included their fifteen-point protection plan below. 

To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

• Build an emergency kit that will meet your family & pet needs for at least 72 hours
• Make a family communications plan that includes where you are going to meet if you can't go home

Know your surroundings:

• Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecast.
• Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
• Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground.
• Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.

Make plans to secure your property:

•  Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
• Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
• If you own a boat, determine how and where to secure it.
• If feasible, install a generator for emergencies.
• If you are in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.

Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can create 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. If you haven't already done so, you can learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, by calling our office at 844.741.DOUG.

Your friendly agent at Insurance Policy Centres,