How Can Homeowners Prep for the 2021 Hurricane Season?

Are you properly prepared for hurricane season? It is crucial for homeowners to be aware of all the hurricane season tips in order to keep you, your family and home safe for the dangerous weather to come. There are many hazardous conditions that hurricanes can bring, such as high winds, tornadoes, flying debris, heavy rainfall, floods, and more. All of these elements can lead to other serious issues. It is better to be safe than sorry, as waiting until the last minute to safeguard your house for a hurricane will not be effective.

You can use these tips as a checklist to help make sure you are ready.

The Electronics

It is always best to simply unplug all your electronics during hurricane season, even with a surge protector in good working condition. Completely unplugged electronics will be the strongest protection against surge-related damage.

Do a Thorough Leak Check

Check for leaks by examining all your doors and windows. It is also helpful to check wall openings where cables and pipes enter where water may be able to come though.

Properly Equipped

It is in your best interest to keep supplies handy. Prepare a supply of water, dried or canned foods, and other everyday essentials.

Ready for an Outage

One way to prepare for a long-term outage is with a whole-house generator. You will want one powerful enough to keep your refrigerator running as well as your other essential items. There are a variety of models, so you will have to determine what you cannot go without to meets your needs.

Keep Yards Tidy

It is smart to keep your trees and shrubbery well maintained. Trim your tree branches touching your home, as this friction could pull off parts of your home in a storm. Pruning will help you allow wind to easily pass through trees. You may even want to regrade around trees so that the roots have something to cling to.

Clean and Clear

Be sure to clean out the gutters to avoid roof damage and flooding; as well as clearing all outdoor clutter so items do not go astray if the wind picks up. Bring lightweight items such as patio furniture and plants inside.

Secure your Home

Protective window shutters, roof clips, fuel tank anchors and garage door braces are strongly recommended as these things can get blown away. These items can and should be installed by a professional.

Review Insurance Protection

Be sure to go over your homeowner’s policy with your agent so you are well aware of exactly how you are covered and purchase additional flood insurance so that you have adequate protection if necessary. Floods are not covered in a standard homeowners insurance policy.

Have a Plan in Place

Everyone who lives in the house should be very clear on where to go when a storm comes. Map out the best evacuation route, location of official shelters, and a safe off-site place to meet if you get separated. Have necessary medications and emergency plans for pets ready to go. Having these things ready well in advance can make the biggest difference. Promptly evacuate if you live in a mobile or manufactured home, on a coastline, near a river or flood plain, or in a high-rise.

About David G. Sayles Insurance Services

At David G. Sayles Insurance Services, we help our clients decide which of these options is best for them based on their current situation and risk factors.  Contact us at 1-855-977-1842 or insureme@dsayles.mysites.io for a consultation!