How to Prepare for a Hurricane
July 27, 2023
Of all extreme climate events, hurricanes have been the most destructive. For instance, Hurricane Ian, which struck the southwest Florida coast in 2022, was a Category 4 storm. Its sustained 150 mph winds and immense storm surge washed away entire coastal communities, killing 152 people and causing $112.9 billion in property damage.
As hurricanes grow increasingly powerful due to climate change, it’s essential to know how to prepare for one in order to keep you and your family safe. Here are 13 tips to implement before the next storm arrives:
- Review your insurance policies – Meet with your Gallagher insurance representative before hurricane season begins. Make sure you have the right insurance and coverage limits in place to minimize your out-of-pocket losses after the next hurricane.
- Create an emergency kit – Have emergency supplies and equipment in place to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours after a hurricane. Follow the American Red Cross’ guidelines for building a survival kit. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests gradually building emergency supplies, replacing items such as food, medicine and batteries that spoil or lose potency.
- Protect crucial personal documents – Store important documents — such as legal papers, birth certificates, marriage license, financial-account records and insurance policies — in an off-site safety deposit box or a fireproof and waterproof box on an upper floor of your home.
- Address medical needs – Plan for medical needs that may arise during the storm. For example, stash an emergency supply of maintenance medicines, as well as first-aid items such as bandages and disinfectant.
- Develop an emergency contact list – Write down contact information for all family members and close friends. Then establish a communications protocol for making make sure everyone is safe after the incident.
- Sign up for emergency notifications – Arrange to receive alerts directly from the National Weather Service. You can do this by tuning in to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio (NWR) or signing up for emergency alerts.
- Develop an evacuation plan – Be ready to evacuate should state and local authorities deem it necessary. To this end, get familiar with your evacuation zone, evacuation route and the location of storm shelters. Share this information with family members and update it periodically.
- Protect your property – Stow lawn ornaments and other items that might float away during a storm surge. Also, install sewer backflow values and anchor outdoor fuel tanks. If you haven’t prepared an inventory of everything you own, do so now. It will facilitate the filing of insurance claims later.
- Make sure your car is in good working order – Verify that your vehicle will start. Then fill its gas tank (or charge its batteries) and stock it with emergency supplies and fuel so it can transport you to your shelter location.
- Test your backup power generator – If you have a generator, make sure it will start and top off its fuel tank.
- Pack tools and safety items – Verify that your emergency kit has matches, flashlights, a multi-purpose tool and a whistle.
- Pack protective gear – Depending on your location, you may need warm clothes and blankets to prevent hypothermia. Protective footwear and gloves are also good ideas.
- Bring priceless items – With limited storage, bringing all your belongings with you is impossible. Instead, focus on priceless items, such as family photos and keepsakes, which will preserve your family legacy and provide comfort in the hurricane’s aftermath.
Once you’ve completed the prior steps, learn the difference between a hurricane watch and warning. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues a watch when it thinks a hurricane might form in the next 48 hours. In this period, begin to prepare for hurricane conditions. For example, review your emergency contact list to make sure post-storm communications will be feasible. Also, stash extra battery packs for charging your mobile phone in case the power remains down for days to come.
A warning means hurricane conditions are likely in the next 36 hours. In addition to the preparations you made during the watch phase, also secure your doors and windows, bring inside or stow yard furniture and equipment and reinforce your garage door by placing a heavy item behind it to prevent twisting in high wind.
If the worst comes to pass and a severe hurricane strikes your town or city, go immediately to a FEMA safe room, an ICC 500 storm shelter or a small, interior, windowless room or hall on a floor in your home not likely to flood. For more guidance on sheltering in place, visit FEMA’s website.
After the hurricane passes, contact your Gallagher insurance advisor. That person can assist you with the recovery process, including filing property damage insurance claims.