This week is National Hurricane Preparedness Week, and we wanted to take the time to assist you in preparing for hurricane season. According to the National Weather Service National Hurricane Center, the Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and goes until November 30.
Even if you are not directly located by the coastlines or in an evacuation zone, areas near by can experience damages from hurricanes such as flooding, destructive winds and tornados. It’s best to be prepared for the worst, because it only takes one storm to affect a whole community. Be ahead of the storm by doing what you can to prepare now, and know what to do when a storm hits.
What you can do now:
- Check your house for any gaps in windows, doors or pipes, and seal any openings. Having a sealed household is the best line of defense against destructive weather.
- Invest in quality shutters. These are important because they protect the openings in your house such as doors and windows, and also protect your house against rain and wind.
- Secure shingles and soffits. Replace any shingles that are missing and reinforce weakened soffits. These will help prevent water from accumulating and damaging your house.
- Review (or establish if you don’t have one) your emergency plan with your family. Talk about where the safest location is in your home, and what to do when a storm hits. If you need advice on how to create a family emergency plan, you can find more information here.
48 hours before the storm
- Turn your refrigerator on its coldest setting and keep it shut. That way if your power goes out, the food won’t go bad as quickly.
- Fill your bathtub and sink up with fresh water. This can be used as a reserve if you are left without running water after a storm.
- Bring all lawn furniture or anything else in your yard that could be picked up by the wind inside. For objects that cannot be brought inside, make sure they are securely anchored. Keep your shrubs and trees properly trimmed, and clean any debris they leave.
Always track a storm and follow the given instructions in an emergency situation. For more ways to prepare for a hurricane, visit the National Hurricane Center website.