Hurricane Preparedness: Essential Steps Before the Storm Hits

Hurricane Preparedness: What you need to know

As hurricane season approaches, understanding hurricane preparedness becomes crucial for coastal areas. Tropical storms and hurricanes can bring devastating winds, storm surges, and flooding, posing significant risks to life and property. Being well-prepared can make a world of difference when facing these powerful natural disasters.

This article will explore essential steps to take before a hurricane hits, providing a helpful hurricane preparedness checklist. We’ll cover how to identify local hurricane hazards, create a family hurricane plan, strengthen your home against storms, and stock up on necessary supplies. By following these hurricane safety tips, individuals and families can better protect themselves and their loved ones during hurricane season preparedness.

Know Your Local Hurricane Hazards

Flood Zone Identification

Understanding local flood risks is crucial for hurricane preparation. Residents can determine if they live in a flood zone using the FEMA Map Service Center. By entering their address and selecting the “Dynamic Map” option, individuals can access information about potential flood damage near their location. This knowledge helps in making informed decisions about evacuation and property protection.

Storm Surge Vulnerability

Storm surge poses the greatest threat to life during a hurricane. This abnormal rise of water generated by a storm can cause extreme flooding in coastal areas. The maximum potential storm surge depends on various factors, including storm intensity, forward speed, size, and coastal characteristics. For instance, a shallow continental shelf can produce a greater storm surge than a steep shelf. In some cases, storm tides can reach up to 20 feet or more.

Wind Damage Potential

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale categorizes hurricanes based on their maximum sustained wind speed. It’s important to note that the relationship between wind speed and potential damage is not linear but logarithmic. For example, an increase in wind speed from 75 mph to 150 mph doesn’t just double the damage potential—it increases it by 256 times. This underscores the importance of taking even small increases in wind speed seriously.

Evacuation Zone Awareness

Knowing your evacuation zone is essential for hurricane awareness. Evacuation zones are designated from A to F, with Zone A being the most vulnerable and likely to be evacuated first. Residents can find their zone by visiting the “Know Your Zone” website and entering their address. It’s crucial to pay attention to local authorities and the National Weather Service during a storm for hurricane watch or hurricane warning alerts and evacuation orders.

For more information on hurricane preparedness week or to discuss your specific situation, please contact a team member at Safety Insurance. They can provide personalized guidance to help you protect your property and loved ones during hurricane preparedness month.

Develop a Family Hurricane Action Plan

Designating a Safe Room

Identifying a safe room in the home is crucial for what to do before a hurricane. This room should be an interior space on the lowest floor without windows. Families should stock this room with essential supplies, including water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, blankets, pillows, and first aid supplies.

For enhanced protection, consider installing a FEMA-approved safe room. These rooms provide near-absolute protection from wind forces up to 250 mph and associated windborne debris. Safe rooms can be built in basements, beneath concrete slab-on-grade foundations, or in interior first-floor rooms.

Creating an Emergency Contact List

An emergency contact list is essential. It should include:

1. Local authorities: Police, fire department, and emergency management agencies
2. Medical contacts: Family doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies
3. Utility companies: Electricity, gas, water, and internet providers
4. Family and friends: Both nearby and out-of-town contacts

Planning for Those with Special Needs

Special considerations are necessary for family members with disabilities or access and functional needs:

• Create a support network and maintain contact with those who can assist
• Plan for accessible transportation and know multiple dialysis facility locations if needed
• For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, include a weather radio with a text display and extra hearing-aid batteries
• For those with mobility disabilities, have a backup manual wheelchair and show others how to operate power wheelchairs

Identifying Multiple Evacuation Routes

Develop a hurricane evacuation plan that includes:

• Multiple destinations in different directions https://www.ready.gov/evacuation
• Familiarity with alternate routes and transportation means
• A full tank of gas if evacuation seems likely
• Arrangements for those without personal vehicles

For more information on tropical storm preparation or to discuss your specific situation, please contact a team member at Safety Insurance. They can provide personalized guidance to help protect your property and loved ones during hurricane preparedness.

Strengthen Your Home Against Hurricanes

Roof and Foundation Inspection

Preparing your roof for hurricane season is crucial, as roof damage is common during these storms. . A professional contractor can address existing issues and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. Loose shingles or tiles pose a significant risk during a hurricane, as they can become projectiles. Consider installing or repairing roof straps and covering skylights to protect your roof from blowing off.

Gutter and Downspout Maintenance

Proper gutter maintenance is essential to protect your home during heavy storms. Clean gutters and downspouts before hurricane season to prevent water overflow, pooling, or running down your home’s siding. This simple task requires only a ladder and a bucket, though a leaf blower can also be used. Ensure downspouts are at least three to four feet from your house to prevent foundation damage, cracked walls, and basement flooding.

Installing Impact-Resistant Windows

Impact-resistant windows are designed to withstand the force of objects hurled against them during a hurricane. These windows typically have an exterior steel skin that resists missile impact from debris. Hurricane-rated windows are tested by shooting a 2×4 wood beam at them three times. To be rated impact-resistant, they must have no holes larger than 3″ in diameter and remain operable. Some hurricane-rated windows can endure winds of up to 200 miles per hour.

Securing Garage Doors

Garage doors are a major culprit when it comes to hurricane damage, with 80% of the damage caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1992 attributed to dislocated garage doors. Consider installing hurricane shutters or a bracing kit to reinforce your garage door. Bracing kits involve installing aluminum or steel braces behind your door, while hurricane panels are attached to the outside of the door via a track system, screws, or clips.

For more information on storm preparedness or to discuss your specific situation, please contact a team member at Safety Insurance. They can provide personalized guidance to help protect your property and loved ones during hurricane preparedness.

Stock Up on Essential Supplies

7-day food and water supply

Preparing for a hurricane requires stocking up on essential supplies. For water, experts recommend one gallon per person per day, with a 3-day supply for evacuation and a 2-week supply for home. Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food items should follow the same timeframe. Consider stocking up on dry cereal, canned fruits, vegetables, soups, and meats, as well as peanut butter, bread, and energy bars.

Portable power sources

Portable power stations have become a popular alternative to gas generators. They’re quiet, odor-free, and can be recharged using multiple power sources, including solar energy. Options range from small, affordable units to powerhouse systems capable of powering a home for extended periods.

Emergency lighting options

Lighting is crucial during power outages. Your emergency kit should include flashlights, battery-powered lights, and solar lamps. Candles and oil lamps can also be useful alternatives.

Sanitation and hygiene items

Don’t forget sanitation and personal hygiene items. Include toilet paper, moist towelettes, garbage bags, and dish soap in your supplies. For those with specific needs, consider medical-care items, baby supplies, and pet supplies.

For more information on what to do during a hurricane or to discuss your specific situation, please contact a team member at Safety Insurance.

Conclusion

Hurricane prevention is crucial for safeguarding lives and property in coastal areas. By understanding local hazards, developing a family action plan, strengthening homes, and stocking up on essential supplies, residents can better protect themselves and their loved ones during hurricane season. These steps significantly reduce potential damage and ensure safety when faced with these powerful natural disasters.

The key to effective hurricane safety lies in proactive planning and timely action. Regular home maintenance, staying informed about evacuation zones, and having a well-stocked emergency kit are essential to weather the storm. At Safety Northeast Insurance, your safety and protection are our primary goals. Do you have a question about your insurance policies? Contact a team member today at (800) 443-7007 to discuss your specific situation and get personalized guidance to protect your property and loved ones during hurricane season.

FAQs

1. What steps should be taken to prepare for an approaching hurricane? To prepare for an approaching hurricane, it’s essential to gather emergency supplies, including food, water, and medicine. Ensure you have a Go-Kit with three days’ worth of easily carried supplies and a Stay-at-Home Kit with two weeks of supplies. Additionally, keep a one-month supply of medication in a child-proof container and secure personal, financial, and medical records in a safe place.

2. What actions should be completed prior to a storm or hurricane? Before a storm or hurricane, it’s crucial to check all emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators, and storm shutters. It’s also important to write or review your Family Emergency Plan. This plan should outline how your family or close friends will communicate, where you will go, and what actions you will take during an emergency.

3. What are the developmental stages leading up to a hurricane? The stages leading up to a hurricane include:

• Disturbance Formation
• Tropical Disturbance
• Tropical Depression
• Tropical Storm
• Hurricane
• Dissipation

These stages describe the development and eventual decline of a hurricane.

Residents can determine if they live in a flood zone using the FEMA Map Service Center.