Hurricane Preparedness: Protecting Your Family, Home, and Business Before the Storm

Living along the Gulf Coast means hurricane season is a reality that homeowners and business owners must prepare for each year. While we cannot prevent hurricanes from occurring, we can take steps to minimize damage, protect our loved ones, and recover more quickly after a storm.

The best time to prepare for a hurricane is long before one appears in the forecast.

Create an Emergency Plan

Every family should have a hurricane preparedness plan in place. Discuss evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and meeting locations in case family members become separated. Make sure everyone knows where important documents are stored and how to access emergency supplies.

Business owners should also establish a continuity plan that outlines how operations will continue if the business is temporarily closed due to storm damage.

Build an Emergency Supply Kit

Prepare enough supplies to sustain your household for at least three to seven days. Your emergency kit should include:

* Bottled water (one gallon per person per day)

* Non-perishable food

* Flashlights and extra batteries

* First aid supplies

* Prescription medications

* Portable phone chargers

* Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

* Cash in small denominations

* Personal hygiene items

* Pet food and supplies, if applicable

Remember that power outages can last for days or even weeks following a major hurricane.

Protect Your Property

Taking preventative measures can significantly reduce storm damage.

For Homeowners:

* Inspect and repair your roof.

* Trim trees and remove dead branches.

* Secure outdoor furniture and decorations.

* Install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows.

* Clean gutters and drainage systems.

* Know how to shut off utilities if necessary.

For Business Owners:

* Secure signage and outdoor equipment.

* Back up important data and records.

* Protect inventory and equipment.

* Develop communication procedures for employees and customers.

* Review vendor and supplier contingency plans.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

One of the most important aspects of hurricane preparedness is understanding your insurance coverage before a storm threatens your area.

Many property owners mistakenly assume that all storm-related damage is covered under their standard insurance policy. However, hurricane-related losses may involve multiple coverages and deductibles.

Important coverages to review include:

* Homeowners Insurance

* Commercial Property Insurance

* Windstorm Coverage

* Flood Insurance

* Business Interruption Coverage

* Additional Living Expenses Coverage

It's important to understand your deductibles, policy limits, exclusions, and any waiting periods associated with your coverage.

Don't Forget Flood Insurance

One of the most common misconceptions is that flood damage is covered by homeowners insurance. In most cases, it is not.

Just because your property is not located in a high-risk flood zone does not mean flooding cannot occur. Heavy rainfall, storm surge, overflowing drainage systems, and flash flooding can impact properties far outside designated flood areas.

In fact, a significant percentage of flood claims come from properties located in moderate- to low-risk flood zones.

Flood insurance policies typically have a 30-day waiting period before coverage becomes effective, which means you cannot wait until a storm is approaching to purchase protection.

Document Your Property

Before hurricane season begins, take photos or videos of your home, business, and personal belongings. Store these records in a secure cloud-based location.

Documenting your property before a loss occurs can help streamline the claims process and provide valuable evidence if damage occurs.

Stay Informed

Monitor weather reports from trusted sources and follow instructions from local emergency management officials. Do not wait until the last minute to make evacuation decisions.

Sign up for local emergency alerts and keep your mobile devices fully charged when severe weather threatens.

Preparation Today Can Save You Tomorrow

Hurricanes are unpredictable, but preparation doesn't have to be. Taking time now to create a plan, protect your property, and review your insurance coverage can make a tremendous difference when a storm approaches.

If you have questions about your homeowners, flood, or business insurance coverage, contact our office today. We would be happy to review your policies and help ensure you have the protection you need before hurricane season arrives.

Because when the storm passes, peace of mind is one of the most valuable things you can have.

Lisa Harkey

251-661-4410