Keeping a close eye on the weather can help you prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms, but when a storm is on the way, it may be too late. These storms create dangerous conditions that can cause property damage and even loss of life.
That’s why every household should prepare before hurricane season hits with these tips from the Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD).
Planning Ahead
Enable severe weather alerts on your smartphone so you know when a storm is on the way.
Create a family evacuation plan. Practice escaping from your home in the event of a flood and identify multiple evacuation routes your family can take to leave the area.
Make a plan for pets and farm animals. Prepare a pet evacuation kit and make sure animals are easily identifiable.
Learn how to stay safe in a flood, including avoiding contact with floodwater and never driving through floodwater.
Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to invest in insurance! Otherwise, you and your family could survive the hurricane only to find yourselves both penniless and homeless.
Protecting Your Home from Storm Damage
Staying safe is the most important thing in a storm, but with the right preparation, you can minimize threats to your home too.
Protect your home against water damage with proper grading and upkeep. Regular window, roof, and foundation maintenance limit water intrusion.
Clogged gutters prevent water from flowing away from your house. Hire a gutter cleaning service to clean and inspect gutters twice per year, or learn how to do it yourself safely.
Storm shutters are the most effective way to protect windows from damage during high winds, but boarding up windows with plywood works in a pinch.
Take a home inventory to save headaches in the event you need to file a homeowners insurance policy claim.
What to Do Before a Hurricane
When a hurricane or tropical storm is forecasted, take these final steps to prepare your household.
Check your emergency preparedness kit and refresh water, food, batteries, medications, and other supplies as needed. Keep your kit in a location that’s easy to grab and go if needed.
Consider getting professional tips, high quality repair videos, and other resources from a home improvement website or app.
Secure loose objects outside your home and unplug appliances, or use surge protectors to prevent damage.
Listen for evacuation orders. If not ordered to evacuate, shelter in an interior room away from windows and flying debris.
You can’t prevent storms – you can only prepare. Make sure you’re prepared for the next hurricane season by taking these disaster preparedness steps today.
The Institute for Sustainable Development is here to help your community thrive long-term. Contact info@isdus.org or call 833-ISD-2020.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD). Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. ISD values and welcomes diverse representations and opinions.
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