You can choose to evacuate voluntarily, or an evacuation order may be issued for your area. When you hear a hurricane is on its way, chances are you will have at least a day or two to prepare or evacuate, as hurricanes generally travel at a fairly slow pace. A good idea is to hang them from the ceiling of a room in the highest part of your house. You can also install permanent fasteners so protective panels (such as ¾' plywood) can be quickly put in place. Likewise, people ask, how do people prepare for Hurricane Dorian? You should also consider flood insurance because a standard home insurance policy doesn't cover damage caused by a flood. A basic storm kit should get a family through 48 hours without electricity and basic services. Program them into your cell phone too. In either instance, it’s best to not wait until the last minute, as you are likely to be panicked, face traffic jams or hazards like washed out bridges and roads. Flood insurance is available through the U.S. Government's National Flood Insurance Program, and can be purchased in participating communities. Planning ahead is crucial to prepare your boat for a hurricane. Consider using impact-resistant roofing materials for added protection. Pack an emergency preparedness kit that will meet the needs of you and your family for three days. If your boat is ashore in a jack stand, strap the boat down when possible. Prepare an evacuation plan. Include items that can help protect you and others from COVID-19, such as hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, bar or liquid soap, disinfectant wipes (if available), and two masks for each person. Consider replacing gravel or rock landscaping materials with shredded bark. Learn more about preparing a hurricane evacuation plan. Pick up and install some hurricane straps or clips that help hold your roof to your walls. If you're using pieces of plywood (or even storm shutters), secure them in place with these locks, which are the only tension clips of their kind on the market. Here are some simple steps you can take to increase your odds of successfully weathering the storm. Identify ahead of time where you will go if you’re told to evacuate. Prepare a “go kit” with personal items you cannot do without during an emergency. Shut off power, gas and water. In the event of a hurricane, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) lists some tipson how to prepare your family and your home. We value your privacy. Clean and Firmly Attach Gutters and Downspouts Learn more about preparing a hurricane evacuation plan. It’s also a good idea to protect any receipts you might have for expensive items. If your answer is “no” to any of these questions, then you’d better speak to your agent right away and get things put in order. Esta página aún no está disponible en español. Write down emergency phone numbers and keep them on the refrigerator or near every phone in your house. And don’t take any unnecessary risks like going back to your house to salvage possessions before the storm hits. A roofing professional can evaluate your roof and suggest improvements. Patio doors should be made of tempered glass. You set this plan in motion if you need to or choose to evacuate. Consider powering down all equipment and processes. If the latter happens, you need to heed the order and get your family to the closest shelter. A good kit contains: Related: 6 Emergency Essentials for Surviving 72 Hours Without Power. Insurance agents like those at State Farm® that are enrolled in the NFIP Direct Program can write and service flood insurance coverage directly through the federal government. Preparing for hurricane season in advance and knowing what to expect when one hits is one of the smartest things you can do, whether you need to remain in your home or create and follow a hurricane evacuation plan. Be prepared to eat all your perishable items first and fill your fridge and freezer with bottled water and sealed non-perishable food items that can retain the cold and keep your food colder for longer in the case of a power outage. If you have double-entry doors, secure the inactive door with head and foot bolts that extend through the door header and into the subfloor. Sometimes the storms persist, and the best thing you can do is to evacuate your family. Prepare for Hurricane Dorian. I agree to receive emails from the site. And is it up to date, reflecting the currently condition and value of your home? Your water may be shut off, so you should also fill your bathtub and any large containers you may have with drinking water. Fill your car’s fuel tank and pick up a couple gas cans full of fuel for your vehicle, along with propane for your barbecue so you can cook if the power goes out. You can also apply a dollop of caulk in the V-shaped hole where the joint between two soffit panels meets the trim. Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate. It is, therefore, critical that you have an evacuation plan. And if a hurricane evacuation order is given, go to a shelter as directed by local authorities. Does your home insurance have hurricane and flood coverage? Write down phone numbers and emails and give everyone in your family a copy. It’s best to have an evacuation plan in place well ahead of time that can be put into play when the need arises. Use the following tips to help strengthen your home, prepare your property, and help protect your family during a hurricane. When a hurricane requires evacuation, here's what you can do to protect your home, your pets and your property. Preparing your house for a hurricane Before a hurricane hits, add strength to the structure of your home to help prevent wind and water damage. Think About Your Water Needs. Create A Hurricane Evacuation Plan To Prepare For The Storm, Ways to Stay Safe During Severe Storm or Wind Event, Must-dos to Improve Your Hurricane Safety. One of the best ways to keep you and your family safe during a hurricane is by covering your windows. Ask a roofing professional to set extra roofing cement under shingles to keep them in place during a hurricane. Preparing for a Hurricane: Before Hurricane Season Starts The most important thing you can do to prepare for a hurricane is to establish a hurricane emergency plan for your family. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. Every family should have an evacuation plan in the event of an oncoming storm. Your emergency preparedness plan should specify the out of state location that your family should go to. If evacuation is necessary, turn off all utilities and follow community disaster preparedness plans. Stock your cupboards/pantry with non-perishable food items, especially canned goods. All entry doors should have three hinges and a dead bolt lock with at least a one-inch bolt throw length. These powerful storms can unleash devastating winds, torrential rains, storm surges and tornadoes causing extensive damage. If you have a boat, moor it securely. By knowing how to prepare for a hurricane, you can concentrate on safeguarding your home and belongings as best as possible. We may collect personal information from you such as identifying information (name, address, driver's license number), transactional information (products or services purchased and payment history), digital network activity (interactions with our website, IP address), geo-location data, audio recordings and other forms of personal information. Make a quick, one-time insurance payment. We’re officially in Hurricane Season now and if you aren’t ready, I suggest you get ready – especially if you live in an area that is likely to be hit!. 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Write your evacuation plan down somewhere and, more importantly, go over it at least once a year (before hurricane season is best). 1. Make sure your shutters are working properly and fit securely. The necessities of a basic storm kit include a whistle, blankets, garbage bags, batteries, a three-day water supply and two days worth of food. Impact resistant windows, shutters and doors should have a proof of compliance identified on a sticker or label, or imprinted into the product. (Though they can, at times travel as fast as 50 mph.) The time to prepare for a hurricane is before it hits. Install impact resistant permanent shutters that meet state building code approved standards. Before hurricane season each year, make sure you and your family are prepared by planning ahead. 2 / 12 In the case of a hurricane, you might be required to evacuate your home. (Keep a can opener and flashlight in there too!). By logging into your account, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and to the use of cookies as described therein. Have a family meeting to establish an evacuation plan that involves transportation to a safe place for you and your family, including pets. Helpful tips to prevent further water damage, safely begin cleaning up and finding a contractor to help repair damage to your property. Pick up and install some hurricane straps or clips that help hold your roof to your walls. (HO/AFP/Getty Images) 2. Be sure to gather all important documents and identification to take with you. Use these guidelines to start preparations before disaster strikes. Dry sacks are also a great way to keep valuable items from getting wet. Here are a few steps you can take before the hurricane season starts. We may collect personal information from you for business, marketing, and commercial purposes. Prepare an emergency supply kit. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. Read more. “The most important thing to do is prepare,” says Brian Misner, senior state watch operator with the Florida Division of Emergency Management. There are certain things you should do to make sure you're prepared and your family stays safe. 1. Create a family disaster plan. If emergency managers say to evacuate, then do so immediately. "Run from the water, hide from the wind" is the adage when it comes to fleeing your home ahead of a hurricane. The destructive force of a hurricane should never be taken lightly. Put head and foot bolts on doors for additional protection. What do you need In A hurricane kit: Start preparing your emergency kit now which should include water, food, medication and other important supplies. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. We use this information for business, marketing and commercial purposes, including but not limited to, providing the products and services you request, processing your claims, protecting against fraud, maintaining security, confirming your identity and offering you other insurance and financial products. Add caulk to any cracks or holes where cables, pipes or wires enter your home. Look up your designated evacuation route and shelter, and make a plan for each member of your household, including children, … I can withdraw my consent at anytime by unsubscribing. If your home isn't on higher ground, go to a shelter. You don't have to log in for these tasks. ST. CROIX, Virgin Islands – Having the proper supplies on hand is key to being prepared for the upcoming hurricane season starting June 1. Write or review your Family Emergency Plan: Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family or close friends and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do in an emergency. Preparing for a hurricane could prevent thousands of dollars in damages. To prepare for a hurricane, plan for an evacuation in advance. As well as different routes that can be taken to get there. Attach hurricane clips at the studs and rafters. Staying in touch with your family members is also very important. Keep your eye on the news, and pay attention to the weather warnings. Keep an eye out for our weekly newsletter. Before a hurricane hits, add strength to the structure of your home to help prevent wind and water damage. If you are leaving a vehicle, try to store it in a garage or secured facility. Also be sure to do a complete inventory of your home and document everything you have with photos or video to make filing your claim easier in the case of disaster. If you wait until the season is upon you to get ready for a hurricane to hit, you might be left scrambling, and many things may get overlooked. ), Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies), Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers), Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl). Fill cracks with hydraulic cement, and coat walls with waterproof masonry cement. Secure roll-down doors, hinged doors and windows. The more you know, the better able you will be to prepare and respond to the emergency. © Copyright, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, 2020, Enter a policy number in the same format as it appears on your bill or ID card, >Enter a 10 digit Payment Plan Account Number, Learn more about preparing a hurricane evacuation plan, U.S. Government's National Flood Insurance Program, Insurance agents like those at State Farm. These hurricane safety reminders can help you prepare a hurricane evacuation plan, put together a hurricane evacuation kit and more. Make a plan. While you can never predict when, where, and with what force a superstorm will strike, you can make sure that you have what you need and have taken the proper steps to be ready when it does. Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day, Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food, Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible), Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc. The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates).