5 TIPS TO GET YOU READY FOR A HURRICANE

Don’t get caught unprepared. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November each year. Residents of the U.S. east and gulf coasts typically see 10 named storms each season, with about 6 becoming hurricanes. Two to three of those become category 3 or greater, or major hurricanes. And we’ve all seen that hurricanes can travel well inland – even if you’re a few hours from the coast there’s no guarantee you won’t feel the effects of a hurricane.

PLAN NOW

We’ve got 5 tips to help make sure you’re prepared for a hurricane:

1. Establish a written emergency plan for your family and for your business
2. Review insurance coverage for your home and business. Don’t forget to look into flood insurance eligibility (homeowner policies don’t typically cover flood damage)
3. If you’re in a hurricane evacuation zone, know the routes in case you’re advised to evacuate
4. Agree on a place where family members can meet if separated
5. Test all emergency equipment (generators, flashlights, etc.) in advance

HURRICANE SURVIVAL KIT

You should have a hurricane survival kit that includes the following:

• At least a 3-day supply of water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable food
• Baby needs (formula, diapers, etc.)
• First aid kit
• Manual can opener
• Medicines (prescription and non-prescription)
• Cell phones and battery-powered chargers
• Flashlights (and spare batteries)
• Cash
• Toiletries
• Sleeping bags and blankets
• Books, magazines, games
• Important documents (insurance, medical, bank account numbers, etc.)
• MAKE SURE YOUR CAR IS FILLED WITH GAS!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Here are a couple of great resources for further info:

NOAA Hurricane Preparedness Guide

FEMA Hurricane Page

(Hurricane image courtesy of Victor Habbick/freedigitalphotos.net)