Hurricane Preparedness for Your Home

Hurricanes can be extremely destructive to both property and people. Pets, loss of life, and business closures are just a few of the many tragedies caused by hurricanes. Being prepared can assist you, your family members, or your business mitigate the storm’s effects. The best time to start is before a threat arises.

How to Prepare for the Hurricane Season

Storms bring heavy rain and high winds. The upcoming hurricane season necessitates preparation. If you do not plan ahead of time, you will not be able to protect your home, life, water, and other valuables, so it is critical to do so. 

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Make a plan.

Gather your loved ones and coworkers and make a plan. When developing your strategy, consider the following questions:

  1. What are the potential hazards in your neighborhood? Is it possible that nearby bodies of water will flood? Do you know of any trees that might fall?
  2. Which part of your property is the most secure during a storm? Consider evacuating to a different location if your current location or home is not the best option. Be aware of the areas in your area that are likely to serve as hurricane shelters.
  3. Are you insured? Make an appointment with an insurance agent to go over your home or building policy’s insurance coverage to see if it covers hurricane-related damage.
  4. What is the safest part of your property during a hurricane? Be aware of the possibility of road closures resulting from storm-related damage.
  5. Designate family members or friends from outside your area as your primary contact before and during an emergency. You will be able to focus on your security in the event of a storm if your direct contact is fielding calls.
  6. Make arrangements for your pet. Will your pet stay at home or go to the pet kennel if the media warns of an impending hurricane?

You should display important numbers in a high-visibility location. Include insurance claim numbers and family members, company contacts, and property damage restoration Mobile.

Make a disaster supply kit

Anything could happen if a hurricane hits the area. There could be a power outage. Water may enter your home. Your kit must contain the following items:

  • first-aid supplies
  • a gallon of water for a flashlight
  • food that is not perishable
  • baby products (if you have a baby)
  • medicines/toiletries
  • phones or a spare battery
  • radio powered by batteries
  • cash for sleeping bags or blankets

Keep your property safe.

It is best to plan ahead of time to avoid the stress of restoration and rushing to a home improvement store, and materials can be purchased ahead of time and stored in storage rooms or garages. A task checklist will help you ensure that you have covered everything:

  1. You can use glass shutters to secure any area of a building or home. If you do not have shutters, use plywood to cover these areas.
  2. Ensure that outdoor furniture and gas tanks are secured to prevent floundering, floating away, or damage. Take extra precautions to book trailers and boats.
  3. Vehicles should remain in garages or another suitable storage facility. Check that any cars you intend to drive have full fuel tanks.
  4. Remove any valuables that are close to windows. If the structure has multiple levels, move items to the top deck to avoid water damage.
  5. It would be useful if you filled the bathtub with water. You can also fill sinks in other areas with water. If the house or building no longer has water service, you will have something extra.

Floods frequently cause water damage to homes, which may be a minor loss, but may soon grow into unnecessary property and health damage. Hiring professional companies like PuroClean of Mobile is important for preventing extra damage.

The Takeaway

In the aftermath of the event, contact your insurance claims department as soon as possible so that they can conduct a hurricane damage assessment. After your claim’s adjuster has contacted you, you can speak with a restoration expert.

Restoration professionals can dry photographs, documents, and even property to prevent mold from spreading. They can also get rid of any remaining dangerous molds. Hiring restoration specialists ensure safe construction, faster business continuity, and the opportunity to focus on getting back to normal. If you have a plan, the possibility of a hurricane does not have to be a disaster.