Top Tips for Hurricane Readiness to Protect Your Home and Family

arundeltree
Sep 23
4 min read

Hurricanes can wreak havoc, causing destruction to homes and posing serious risks to families. Being well-prepared is vital for minimizing these impacts and keeping your loved ones safe. With a little effort and planning, you can significantly reduce potential damage and enhance your hurricane readiness. This guide provides practical tips that every homeowner should consider to safeguard their homes and families.

Understand Your Risk

To prepare for hurricanes effectively, you must first understand the specific risks hurricanes pose in your own area. Research the historical data on hurricanes in your region. For example, areas like Florida often experience hurricanes every year and a half on average, while other states might see them less frequently. In Maryland, where we are located there have only been a handful of "direct hits" since storms were recorded, the most notable were the unnamed storms in 1878 and 1933, and 2003's Hurricane Isabel. However there has been significant damage caused by a handfull of major / memorable storms that did not make direct landfall in the area. In 1972 Hurricane Agnes became one of the most destructive and costly storms in U.S. history, bringing significant rainfall and flooding to the Mid-Atlantic, though it was considered a weakened tropical storm by the time it reached Maryland. Fast forward 31 years later to 2003 when Hurricane Isabel made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane, causing extensive flash flooding, tree damage, and a major storm surge along the Chesapeake Bay blanketing our coastal areas. In 2011 Hurricane Irene brought hurricane force winds to the Eastern Shore and tropical storm-force winds inland, this caused extensive power outages and flooding again putting many of our coastal areas underwater. Knowing the strength and frequency of these past storms helps you gauge how seriously you need to prepare in your own area.

Additionally, it very important to familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and shelters. Having these details prepared ahead of a storm can save you precious time when a is hurricane approaching, potentially making the difference between your family being safe or in danger.

Create an Emergency Plan

An actionable emergency plan is essential for keeping your family safe during a hurricane. Gather everyone and discuss the following:

Communication: Set up a clear communication plan with friends and family members. Ensure everyone knows a safe way to contact each other if separated.
Evacuation: Choose a specific meeting place and route for evacuation. Ensure everyone understands these details and practices using them.
Emergency Contacts: Create a list containing phone numbers for family members, friends, and local emergency services.

Having a well-structured emergency plan can greatly reduce anxiety, panic and improve your families overall response during a crisis.

Assemble an Emergency Kit

Creating an emergency kit is also an essential part of hurricane readiness. Your kit should include supplies to last at least 72 hours. Essential items should encompass:

Water: Store a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days. For a family of four, that's 12 gallons of water.
Non-perishable Food: Stock food for at least three days. Include items like canned goods, granola bars, and dried fruits.
First Aid Kit: Ensure you have bandages, antiseptics, and any necessary medications.
Flashlights and Batteries: Power outages are common during storms, so reliable light sources are vital.
Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife: Handy for various tasks during emergencies.

Make it a habit to check and update your emergency kit regularly, replacing expired items to ensure you’re fully prepared when needed.

Secure Your Home

Taking steps to secure your home is essential. Consider these measures:

Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood. This can protect against damage from flying debris.
Roof and Gutters: Inspect your roof and clean your gutters. Blocked gutters can lead to excessive water damage during heavy rains.
Outdoor Items: Bring in lawn furniture, decorations, and anything else that might turn into a projectile in high winds.

These precautions can significantly reduce damage and safeguard your belongings.

Stay Informed

During hurricane season, it’s crucial to stay updated. Regularly monitor your local news and weather outlets for storm developments. Downloading a weather app can also help provide real-time alerts.

In addition, consider signing up for local emergency notifications. Many communities offer text or email alerts, ensuring you stay informed about evacuation orders and other vital information.

Know When to Evacuate

Recognizing when to evacuate can be a matter of life and death. Heed local authorities' warnings and evacuation orders promptly.

Before you leave, take time to ensure your home is secure, and don’t forget your emergency kit. If you have pets, have a plan ready for their safety and transportation as well.

Prepare for Power Outages

Power outages often follow hurricanes. Here are steps to prepare:

Backup Power: Invest in a generator to keep essential appliances running, such as your refrigerator and medical equipment.
Charge Devices: Charge all devices including phones and tablets before the storm hits.
Coolers and Ice: Buy coolers and ice to keep perishable food fresh in case of power loss.

Being ready for power outages will make your experience during a hurricane much easier.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Ensure that your homeowner's insurance covers hurricane damage. Take the time to review your policy details and make needed adjustments ahead of storms. Many policies are limited when it comes to "Acts of God", flooding and even wind damage.

Also, investigate additional coverage for flooding, as typical homeowners policies may not cover flood-related damages. Understanding your insurance policy can alleviate financial strains if a storm significantly damages your property.

Stay Calm and Help Others

During a hurricane, staying calm is vital. Your attitude can help ease the anxiety of those around you, especially children.

If it is safe to do so, check on neighbors who might need assistance. Offering support can foster a sense of community and make a significant difference during tough times.

Be Prepared and Ready

Hurricanes are a force of nature, but preparation can significantly enhance your safety and security. By understanding your risks, creating a family plan, assembling an emergency kit, securing your home, and staying well-informed, you can minimize the storm's impact.

Now is the time to put these tips into action. Equip yourself and your family to face whatever the storm may bring.