Rising summer temperatures signal the start of hurricane season. fortunately, 2023 Atlantic hurricane season It is predicted to be relatively mild with 1–4 major hurricanes (Category 3–5) and 5–9 milder storms (Category 1–2). Even with mild weather ahead, it’s important to be prepared.
So, how do you prepare your home for a hurricane? Luckily, this Redfin guide has everything you need to know. whether you live in a Home in Tampa, FLor a Rental Home in Wilmington, NCRead on for hurricane preparation tips and tricks to help keep you and your family safe.
What is tornado?
A hurricaneA tropical cyclone, also known as a cyclone or typhoon in other parts of the world, is a large and powerful tropical cyclone characterized by a low-pressure center surrounded by a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce strong winds and strong winds. Produces heavy rain. They form over warm ocean water near the equator. Key elements of the storm include the eye, eyewall and rainband.
Hurricanes can range from mild to destructive, and can cause damage with storm surge (sea level rise), high winds, and heavy rain, which can lead to flooding and landslides. they’re especially bad if you live in a flood zone,
We measure hurricane severity based on wind speed using the Saffir-Simpson scale. Here’s a quick analysis:
- type 1: 74-95 mph (minor damage)
- category 2: 96-110 mph (moderate damage)
- grade 3: 111-129 mph (major damage)
- tier 4: 130-156 mph (critical damage)
- category 5: 157 mph and over (catastrophic damage)
how to prepare your home for a hurricane
Before a hurricane hits, there are ten important steps you should take to prepare your home, secure your valuables, and ensure your family’s safety. Let’s break them down.
1. Build a Hurricane Emergency Kit
The first step in preparing for any disaster is to make sure you have a well-stocked, waterproof emergency supply kit, which can be a large tote, box, or carry-on kit. Here is a list of items to include:
- Water: Near at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
- Eat: Include at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods that don’t require cooking, such as canned goods, protein bars, peanut butter, dried fruits and nuts.
- manual can opener: Have a manual on hand for opening canned food.
- medicines: If possible, pack a seven-day supply of prescription drugs and other essential medicines.
- First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, medical tape, gloves, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
- hygiene suppliesPack things like hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothpaste, soap, menstrual products, and toilet paper.
- torch and battery: Carry a flashlight and an ample supply of spare batteries.
- A charger that you can take with you wherever you go: A portable battery charger can keep your phone and other essential electronics running if the power goes out for a while.
- cash and important documentsKeep copies of your important documents (such as passport, driving license and insurance policies) in an accessible waterproof container, along with some cash
- radio: If the power goes out, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio can keep you updated on storm progress and other important information.
- clothing and beddingPack a full change of clothes and sturdy shoes for each family member, and include warm bedding.
- equipment and supplies: Include items such as a multi-tool, duct tape, a whistle to signal for help, and a local map. Placing the plastic sheeting and zip ties is also essential. shelter in place,
- other supplies: If you have pets, infants, or elderly members of the household, remember to pack pet food, baby formula, diapers, and any necessary medical equipment and backup power.
2. Secure doors and windows
Make sure all your doors and windows are secure and in good repair to prevent water from getting in. Consider installing storm shutters or pre-cutting plywood to clad your windows. Additionally, reinforce your garage door with braces or sturdy plywood. You can go a step further and invest in a wind- or impact-resistant garage door Or storm doorWhich can greatly reduce the risk of damage to your home.
3. Install a Backup Power Source
Consider installing a generator or heavy-duty batteries if the power goes out for an extended period of time. Remember to use the gas powered generator by keeping it safely dry and outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning,
If you have the budget and time before a storm hits, this might be a good idea install solar panels or other renewable energy source, so that you can power your home independent of the power grid. Keep in mind that you need a battery to store the electricity generated by your solar panels.
4. Review Your Insurance Coverage
make your review Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Make sure you have coverage in case of storm damage, especially since many standard plans do not cover disaster or flood damage. If your current homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover your home, you can get insurance through flood smartis a national program managed by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“Don’t wait until it’s too late to get flood insurance,” pleads Jennifer Jones, marketing manager at Floodprice, “Most flood insurance carriers have waiting periods of up to 30 days, so act now before the storm hits.” Even if your home is in a low- or medium-risk flood zone, flood insurance is still a good idea.
5. Set up a safe room
If your home doesn’t have a dedicated safe room, identify a small, windowless, first-floor room where you and your family can take shelter during a storm. This is where you should keep your emergency supply kit and anything else you might need if you need to shelter in place.
If you don’t have a place to stay safe at home, go to a friend’s or relative’s house or open disaster shelter, Importantly, never use your basement for shelter during a storm, as flooding is common.
As always, follow evacuation recommendations and orders from authorities.
6. Inspect and Repair Your Roof
Inspect your roof for loose tiles or shingles and other weaknesses. you can consider storm strips To make sure your roof is connected to the rest of your home. In hurricane-prone areas, reinforcing your home’s roof can greatly reduce potential damage.
Several southern US states have recently passed hurricane-specific building codes For new buildings, that ensures homes can withstand winds of up to 130 miles per hour. in buildings high velocity storm area The wind speed requirements are even higher in Florida.
However, some states haven’t updated their building codes, so do your research and plan to install your own protections.
7. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clear your gutters and downspouts of debris to ensure that water can drain properly from your home. This helps prevent water loss and reduces the risk of roof collapse from additional rainwater loads. You can also have a professional inspect your home for potential risks.
8. Trim Trees and Shrubs
well maintained trees and shrubs It is less likely to become projectile during high winds. To help, cut tree branches back no longer than four or five feet and remove any dead or dying branches or plants. Also, dispose of any trimmings and debris so they don’t blow into the street or build up on your property.
9. Secure external objects
Secure or bring all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, and anything else that isn’t tied down indoors. “These items can become dangerous projectiles during high winds,” says owner Levi Kastner. Kastner Insurance Group, “Additionally, in case you claim insurance after a hurricane, take a detailed inventory of your valuables, including photos or videos of the property.”
10. Prepare an Evacuation Plan
Lastly, always have an evacuation plan ready for yourself and your family. Learn about local hurricane evacuation routes and the nearest shelters. Remember to plan for your pets and elderly family members as well.
How to File an Insurance Claim After a Hurricane
Dealing with insurance companies after a hurricane can be difficult. Luckily, we have expert guidance from April Weisman, Executive Vice President of HPM Insurance, to help guide you through the process. Here are the seven steps:
- Assess any property damaged after the storm, list damaged property and belongings, and take photographs and videos of the damage for evidence.
- Contact your insurance agent or carrier directly to file a claim.
- Prevent further damage by boarding up windows or slanting the roof, if necessary. If you can’t do it yourself, contact a restoration company to do it for you.
- Don’t throw anything out until a company adjuster has assessed the damage and authorized you to do so.
- Lastly, be patient. After a major storm, companies work overtime to assist the thousands of people filing claims. Unfortunately, it will take time for them to reach you.
Final Thoughts on How to Prepare Your Home for a Hurricane
When the storm hits, you must be prepared. By following these ten steps, you can help minimize damage to your property and keep your family safe.
