Each hurricane season is unpredictable but 2024 is predicted to be particularly active with an estimated 17-25 named storms.
Luckily there are some steps you can take to be much better prepared in the event that a storm is headed for your home.
Here are some important things that you and your family need to do in order to be prepared and protected.
Check Your Insurance
It’s vital that you know exactly what your insurance covers in the event of loss or damage. Call your independent insurance agency to go over your policy. Ask them about the hurricane deductible and what your policy covers.
It’s best to do this as early as possible because insurance companies do not allow you to change your policy when a storm approaches.
Even if you’re a renter, it’s important to check your renter’s insurance coverage ahead of time. Review your policy to make sure it covers hurricane-related damages like wind or water because although you don’t own the dwelling, you do own some of the items inside and around the property. Update your inventory of valuables before a storm, take photos, and keep a digital copy of your policy in case of water damage.
Purchase Flood Insurance Early
It’s more important than ever to assess your flood coverage if you have it, or add it on if you need it. The way we look at it is that Florida is surrounded by water on three sides. Because of that, you need flood coverage no matter what your official flood zone is.
It will be too late to add when the storm is approaching so make sure that you know what is covered or to add it on to your policy if you’re lacking coverage. Most flood insurance policies do not take effect until 30 days after purchase, so this needs to be done at the beginning of hurricane season, not when a storm is on the way.
Have An Emergency Plan
Having an emergency plan in place is incredibly important so that you’re not scrambling at the last minute if you need to move somewhere safer and/or are evacuated. Set a location for your family to meet up after the storm if you happen to get separated and make sure that everyone knows the plan.
Emergency Preparedness Kit
This type of kit should include food with a long shelf life (like canned food), plenty of clean water, flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, wind-up radio, clothing (for any type of season), first-aid kit, medications, toiletries, and any other personal items that you want to keep safe or will need if the power goes out.
Check Your Home
Checking your home is perhaps the most important part on your hurricane preparedness checklist. Here are some things that you need to check:
- Trees: Go outside and survey any of the trees that are surrounding your home. If there are low lying trees, damaged trees, or ones that are leaning towards your home, it might be time for a trim or removal.
- Roof: Assess your roof. Have you been dreading fixing a few shingles? You’ll dread it even more when the wind and rain hits and causes a leak inside your home. Make sure that you hire a professional tarping company to cover any vulnerable areas.
- Loose Debris: Bring all garbage cans, toys, small items, and anything else that could become a potential projectile. Not only do you risk losing your items in a storm, but they can become swept up in the wind and damage your home, car, or someone else’s property.
Evacuation Routes
When disaster strikes and you’re in the middle of figuring out what to do, the last thing you want to worry about is where you’re supposed to go. Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes so that you’re ready if local law enforcement tells you it’s time to go.
Stay Tuned
We know the last thing you want to do is be glued to a radio, television, or your phone but it’s important to stay up to date on the storm so that you’re prepared. Hurricanes often spout tornadoes or change course. Being in the know is the best way to stay safe.
Pet Considerations
Your pet is a part of your family but you need to find out if the local human storm shelters allow pets or not. If they don’t, make arrangements for your pets with family, friends, or find a shelter that allows them.
To learn even more, head over to ready.gov/hurricanes
Hurricanes Are Scary but With the Right Preparations You’ll Be Ready
As scary as a hurricane may be, it’s very easy to prepare for them once you know what precautions to take. At Darr Schackow we treat your family like one of our own and we want you to be as covered as possible.
Call us today to find out more about available hurricane coverage options, whether you have the best flood protection for your home, and whether you’re adequately protected in the event of a storm.