Hurricanes: Beating the Storm
Published on August 3, 2019Last modified on October 7, 2024
Hurricane season in the U.S. is inevitable, resulting in billions of dollars of damage annually for home and business owners. These tropical cyclones hit the south and east coasts primarily between June and November, but you can start protecting your property now. In addition to saving lives, preparing properly for a hurricane can save time and money throughout the recovery process. Take steps today to help mitigate tangible losses.
Fortifying Your Home or Business
What to Do Now:
- Install protective shutters to cover your windows.
- Make sure your roof is sealed to prevent leaks and water damage.
- Secure soffits and trim any overhanging trees or loose branches around your property.
- Invest in a wind-rated garage door that can withstand the force of a hurricane.
- Purchase a backup generator to keep critical machinery, equipment, and lights operating in the event of a power outage.
- Take an inventory of your personal belongings or business equipment/stock.
- Be prepared to get prepared. Whether it’s a family emergency strategy or a business continuity plan, know when to implement last-minute measures.
What to Do Last Minute:
- Store any loose objects, such as patio furniture, pool items, bicycles, etc.
- Clear drainage systems and gutters of debris to ease water runoff.
- Close all windows and doors, including securing protective shutters.
- Seal cracks in your siding and interior walls and check your roof one last time
to shore up any loose shingles. - Move your commercial or personal vehicles into a garage or covered space
if available. - Pile sandbags against all doors leading outside as a simple, yet effective way to prevent flooding.
Getting Back to Normal
If the hurricane damaged your property, contact your insurance carrier or agent to begin the claims process and review what’s covered on your policy.
Take before and after photos and keep a record of expenses incurred for consideration in your claim.
If possible, prevent the property from further damage by laying out a tarp over the roof and tidying up the inside of the building. Be careful, though. Do not enter a structure that may have taken on serious damage and is at risk of collapsing. Watch out for debris or downed power lines around the perimeter.
Helpful Resources
NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
DISASTERSAFETY.ORG
http://disastersafety.org/hurricane/
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY: HURRICANES
https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
RED CROSS: HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane.html
Disclaimer: The GUARD Wire is designed to provide general information about various topics of interest and should NOT replace the guidance, advice, or recommendations from licensed insurance or legal professionals, other industry experts, or state and federal authorities.