Hurricane season has arrived, and forecasters are calling for yet another above-average year for storms. In fact, the Weather Channel has projected 18 named storms this year with at least three having the power of a Category 3 storm or above.
That means you can expect power outages, storm surges, and other perilous problems, now through November 30. An unprepared homeowner can be left with thousands of dollars in damage from a strong hurricane, so here at Savvi Insurance, we want to help you get prepared.
Stay safe and prevent storm damage to your home with these hurricane preparedness tips!
Tip #1 – Stay informed
Sign up for local alerts with apps such as Nixle or the FEMA app. These apps will alert you to any warnings in your area. Also, consider buying a solar charger for your cell phone, just in the case the power goes out, and invest in a battery-operated radio. This way, you can still have an ear to official announcements if a nearby cell tower loses power.
Tip #2 – Know the difference in hurricane alerts
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you understand the severity of the storm headed your way. This will help you make an informed decision concerning your safety. The National Weather Service will give you one of these alerts:
Hurricane watch: A hurricane or tropical storm (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) is possible in the next 48 hours. Monitor alerts, check supplies, and gather anything you might need in case of a power outage.
Hurricane warning: Experts expect a hurricane or tropical storm to hit the area in the next 36 hours. Listen for calls for evacuation and heed those warnings.
There are similar watches and warnings for tropical storms as well as storm surges, so be prepared to respond accordingly.
Tip #3 – Have a plan for every situation
"Better safe than sorry," is a favorite phrase for these emergency situations. Make plans with your family for all situations – if you're staying for the duration of the storm or you need to leave.
Follow these emergency preparedness steps:
Prepare for a power outage.
Keep your gas tank full.
Create an evacuation plan and know the approved evacuation routes.
Designate an out-of-state emergency contact. This will be the person everyone contacts if you're not together during the storm.
Select a place where you all can go in case you need to evacuate and ensure that everyone knows how to get there. This can be a nearby shelter, set up by FEMA.
Put together a "bug-out" bag that you can grab if you need to evacuate. It should be light and portable.
If you have pets, make sure to include them in your plans, with pet-friendly hotels or a family member's house as a safe place.
If you’re evacuated from your home because of a severe storm, you can check in on your home no matter where you are with our secure live feed 24/7. Full HD 1080p resolution with built-in Infrared LED for day and night vision modes lets you see how your home is faring during the storm.
Tip #4 – Gather emergency supplies
Whether riding out the storm (if evacuation isn't mandatory) or leaving the area, have the following essential items:
Cell phones.
Solar chargers.
Batteries.
Medicines (know how to store them safely, especially if they need refrigeration).
Flashlights.
A first aid kit.
Money.
Important documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.).
Non-perishable food and water (enough for at least three days, a gallon of water per person per day).
Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies.
Protective gear.
Blankets.
Waterproof boots.
Warm clothes.
Irreplaceable items (your child's favorite stuffed animals or wedding photo - only essential items).
Consider buying an emergency kit that includes many of the items above.
Tip #5 – Prepare your home
Preventing costly home damage begins by taking the necessary precautions before the hurricane arrives. To stop your patio umbrella from making a hole in your neighbor's sliding glass door, complete the following steps:
Check for loose shutters or screens. Tighten them as needed.
Trim back wayward trees.
Secure loose wires and cables.
Remove debris from downspouts and gutters.
Inspect your roof, and repair loose shingles.
Use caulk to seal off doors and windows.
Test sump pumps and clear exterior drains of debris.
Test generators and make sure you have fuel available.
Store lightweight items such as toys and patio furniture. Secure any objects remaining outside as they can become projectiles in high winds.
If you live in a flood area, consider placing sandbags around your home's perimeter. (Also, make sure you have the necessary homeowners insurance. If you're not sure, contact your agent.)
Protect windows and doors by covering them with plywood or hurricane shutters. Leave one or two smaller windows exposed for light and air circulation.
There's no place like home, but when disaster strikes, you need help fast and from people you can trust. Savvi can connect you with a nationwide network of verified service professionals who can be on your doorstep immediately and start the process of making things right again.
Savvi gives you the peace of mind knowing that you hired a pro who has been vetted and is held to the highest industry standards, bridging the gap between problem detection and problem resolution.
Savvi Insurance Group, Inc., based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is committed to helping families and individuals prevent losses, stay safe, and protect the people and things they love. We do that by providing our customers with our cutting-edge smart home security system along with a suite of services and benefits designed to proactively predict and prevent losses from happening in the first place.
We then back that up with comprehensive, modernized insurance protection and concierge-style claims handling, at prices that recognize and reward the benefits of a smarter, better protected home.
Originally published on vipHomeLink.com
Comments