As of June 1, 2018, the official hurricane season is underway. Expecting to be only slightly less active than 2017’s hurricane season, getting prepared now is never too early. Last year, three major hurricanes impacted the south and southeastern regions of the United States, costing an estimated $316 Billion in damages. Having 17 named storms in 2017, devastation impacted most of the countries surrounding the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, leaving many without power and shelter for several months. With the hurricane season spanning from June 1st to November 30th, the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project forecasts 2018’s hurricane season to include 8 tropical storms and 6 hurricanes. Seeing the impact of last year’s storms, establishing a preparation plan now, protects you, your family and all your property and assets.
Do I stay, or do I go?
This is the question that many faced in the unexpected wake of Hurricanes Harvey, Maria and Irma. Many chose to stay, and as a result were left helpless in the rising flood waters while others, abandoned their homes to seek shelter, only to return to everything they owned and cherished destroyed by these floods. Having been on scene through emergency response for both Hurricane Harvey and Irma, the impact of flooding became very relevant to me regarding how much damage hurricanes can do, especially to those unprepared. I was devastated by the number of people I encountered who did not have flood insurance or asset protection and as a result, lost everything to these storms.
At this point, the decision comes down to you and whether you will wait out the storm in your home or if you will leave and seek shelter in a neighboring area away from the storm. Regardless, if you choose to stay or choose to leave, there are some preparatory steps that you should take to ensure your safety and the safety of your property and assets.
12 Tips for Effective Preparation
1. Research your evacuation zone and locate all evacuation routes in your area to create a plan of departure if your location becomes a mandatory evacuation zone. This plan should include points of contact to check in with before, during and after the storm, routes, hurricane shelters, and safe zones to avoid the storm. Florida Residents, click here to find out your zone.
Quick Tip: When a named storm is identified with a probable route of impacting your generalized area, locate hotels in areas furthest away from the location of impact and reserve room accommodations for you and your family during the days in which the storm will hit. As nearby hotels fill up quickly, this is important to avoid being caught in the storm while still traveling. Make sure you read the cancellation policy to avoid paying for a hotel room in the event the storm changes paths and your area is no longer in danger.
2. Prepare with an emergency preparedness kit which can be created using the following items. Click here for printable checklists.
a. Food and Water
b. First Aid
c. Supplies and Tools
d. Sanitation
e. Specialty Items
f. Documents and Inventory
g. Pets
Generators are also a key to ensuring the safety and comfort for your family during the event of a power outage. For fast and easy delivery options, try Electric Generators Direct.
Warning: Do not operate generators inside of your home, garage or near your home’s air systems, as some generators produce carbon monoxide which can be deadly if inhaled for long periods of time.
3. If possible, cover all windows in potential impact areas with hurricane shutters or other forms of protection. Ensure that all items are secured as they can become deadly projectiles if improperly secured.
4. List, record and photograph all personal belongings to help expedite insurance claims if damage becomes prevalent. Click Here for checklist.
5. Review your insurance policies to make sure that your personal items are protected against Acts of God and Floods. If you are unsure, schedule a meeting with your provider to ensure everything is covered.
6. Remove all unsecured items from the outside of your home and trim all shrubs and trees to help minimize damages.
7. Ensure all vehicles are fueled prior to the storm and have emergency overnight bags packed in case of a last-minute evacuation.
8. Store all jewelry, high value items and important document securely in waterproof safes or waterproof bags.
9. Connect with other neighbors who will be staying during the storm to create a communication plan for checking in and ensuring each other’s safety.
10. Have first aid supplies in the event of an emergency as most emergency response agencies will have limited response times and abilities.
11. Refill all prescriptions to ensure a 30-day or more supply and if reliant upon other medical devices, ensure that the devices will be able to operate in the event of a power outage. If unable to, have a back up plan or evacuate and move to a location with a backup generator.
12. Do not leave pets behind as they will be limited on their abilities to protect themselves. Locate boarding facilities outside of the storms path or bring the pet with you and stay at one of the below hotels who offer pet friendly options.
c. La Quinta
d. Best Western
f. Hotel Indigo
g. Red Roof Inn
h. https://www.bringfido.com/ - Will have a more comprehensive list as well.
Are you prepared? Contact Raisonné & Hammer Price Corporation to speak with an expert about asset and property protection and preparation for the unexpected.
*Flood insurance is not included in most insurance policies and must be purchased separately. Do not wait until it is too late, as most policies have a 30-day waiting period from activation to when it will take effect. Waiting until the threat of flood becomes relevant is normally too late, so prepare early.
REMEMBER: Always take precaution during extreme acts of nature and follow all guidance from National and Local authorities. If you are in a mandatory evacuation zone, please heed the advisements and find your way to a local shelter or to a safe location away from the storm. Storms are dangerous and may be life threatening. Even the most prepared can be at risk if they ignore evacuation notices. Your safety is our number one priority here at Raisonné and Hammer Price Corporation and we have provided these resources to help, but in no way are they intended to replace information and instruction provided by local and governing agencies.
If you would like to discuss Expansive Planning options for utilizing your home to host friends and family, or if you would like to discuss the possibilities of helping with rescue and clean-up efforts, please Contact Raisonné & Hammer Price Corporation, and we will be happy to assist.