Hurricane Preparedness: Steps to Protect Your Family, Home, and Finances

Hurricane season can bring more than strong winds and heavy rain. These powerful storms can cause widespread flooding, storm surge damage, tornadoes, landslides, and prolonged power outages. While coastal communities often face the greatest risk, hurricanes can impact areas more than 100 miles inland, making preparation important for everyone in a storm's path.

The good news is that taking proactive steps before a hurricane threatens can help keep your family safe and minimize property damage.

Understand Your Risk

Before hurricane season reaches its peak, take time to understand your area's specific risks. Know whether you live in an evacuation zone and familiarize yourself with local emergency plans.

It's also important to recognize that every household has unique needs. Consider elderly family members, young children, pets, medical requirements, and transportation challenges when creating your preparedness plan.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

One of the most important preparations homeowners can make is reviewing their insurance policies.
Many people are surprised to learn that standard homeowners insurance policies generally do not cover flood damage. Depending on where you live, separate flood insurance coverage may be necessary to protect your home and belongings from rising water.

Review your policy with your insurance professional to understand what is covered, what isn't, and whether additional protection may be appropriate for your situation.

Create an Emergency Plan

A hurricane preparedness plan should include:

• Evacuation routes and destinations
• Emergency contact information
• Communication plans for family members
• Meeting locations if separated
• Plans for pets and special medical needs

Because phone systems can become overwhelmed during emergencies, consider using text messaging as your primary method of communication.

Build an Emergency Supply Kit

Gather enough supplies to sustain your household for several days. Essential items include:

• Drinking water
• Non-perishable food
• Prescription medications
• Flashlights and batteries
• First aid supplies
• Important personal documents
• Cell phone chargers and backup power sources
• Pet food and supplies

Store critical documents such as insurance policies, identification, and financial records in a waterproof, fire-resistant container. Digital backups stored securely online can provide additional protection.

Protect Your Property

Preparing your home before a storm can significantly reduce damage.

Consider taking steps such as:

• Installing hurricane shutters
• Reinforcing windows and doors
• Cleaning gutters and drains
• Securing outdoor furniture and decorations
• Trimming trees and removing potential hazards

These measures can help reduce the risk of wind and water damage when severe weather arrives.

When a Hurricane Is Approaching

Monitor local weather reports, emergency alerts, and updates from trusted sources. If local authorities issue an evacuation order, leave immediately and follow designated evacuation routes.

If evacuation is not necessary, seek shelter in a sturdy building away from windows and exterior doors. Interior rooms on lower levels are often safest, provided they are not at risk of flooding.

Remember this important safety rule: Turn Around, Don't Drown®. Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Even a small amount of moving water can be dangerous and sweep away vehicles or individuals.

If using a generator during a power outage, operate it outdoors and well away from windows, doors, and garages to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Stay Safe After the Storm

The danger doesn't always end when the storm passes.

After a hurricane:

• Follow instructions from local authorities before returning home.
• Avoid floodwaters, which may contain contaminants, debris, and hidden hazards.
• Be cautious around downed power lines and damaged structures.
• Wear protective clothing during cleanup efforts.
• Document property damage with photographs before making repairs.

If your property is damaged, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process.

Preparation Makes a Difference

Hurricanes can be unpredictable, but preparation can help reduce their impact. By understanding your risks, reviewing your insurance coverage, creating a family emergency plan, and taking steps to protect your property, you can improve your safety and recovery when severe weather strikes.

The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before one appears in the forecast. Taking action today can make all the difference tomorrow.