The approach of hurricane season can be extremely nerve-racking and many people are fearful of the destructive power of tropical storms. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to prepare for a hurricane and minimize the risk of injury or damage to your property. With this in mind, here are four tips to help you prepare for hurricane season.
1. Stock up on emergency supplies
A tropical storm may leave you and your family confined to your home for a long period, so you must have the necessary supplies to ensure safety and comfort. When an approaching hurricane is announced, people tend to rush to the supermarkets to stock up on items. This can lead to shortages of certain foods and supplies. For that reason, it is a good idea to prepare in advance and stock up on non-perishable foods and essential supplies before the hurricane season hits. According to advice on cnnhealth.com, some items you should buy before a hurricane include canned foods, protein bars, hand sanitizer, a first aid kit, and a three-day supply of drinking water.
2. Take out adequate insurance
Everyone should have insurance to protect their home and valuables. This is especially important if you live in a high-risk area such as those prone to severe weather. Make sure you review your home insurance policies carefully to check that you are fully covered in the event of damage due to a hurricane. In particular, be sure to check whether your insurance will cover you if you need to move into temporary accommodation or sustain property damage due to flooding. You may want to consider upgrading your current insurance policy if it does not cover you in these situations. You can contact your insurance company to get advice on hurricane damage and home insurance.
3. Protect your home
Hurricanes can cause serious damage to your property and lead to costly repair work. Luckily, there are dozens of ways to prepare your home for hurricane season and minimize the risk of damage. Here are some of the essential steps you should take to protect your property from tropical storms:
- Seal windows and doors and ensure that any entryways to your home are secure.
- Inspect your roof and replace any loose or missing tiles.
- Remove any debris from your front and back yard.
- Have metal straps installed on your roof?
- Reinforce your front door and garage door.
4. Donate to hurricane relief efforts
No matter how many steps people take to protect themselves and their properties, there is often still substantial damage following a hurricane. You can help people affected by tropical storms by providing a hurricane relief donation or by supporting local natural disaster relief organizations.
Summary
Tropical storms can cause extensive damage and threaten the health of you and your family. While there is no way to prevent a hurricane from hitting, you can take steps to reduce the risk of injury or damage to your property. Follow the above suggestions to help keep your family and valuables safe this hurricane season.
