The Top Five Ways To Prepare For A Hurricane

Regardless of what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts for this hurricane season, it wise to be prepared. Hurricane season runs between June 1 and November 30, and while experts can predict a hurricane’s severity, in some cases, it can be incredibly challenging to predict its path.

Coastal and Gulf coastal communities obviously fare the worst during a hurricane. But its surging effects such as flooding, high winds and tornadoes can spread the threat hundreds of miles inland. 

Some of the deadliest hurricanes like Isaac, Irene and Katrina, occurred in August, the peak month for hurricane season. The months leading up are sometimes considered the calm before the storm, says Gary Cecchine, Director of the RAND Gulf States Policy Institute.

“Just because it’s been quiet doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be vigilant,” said Cecchine. The months after the peak can also be just as unpredictable, he said.

Here are a few tips to stay protected before a hurricane hits. 

Have a plan

You should have an active list of emergency contacts, know where you can get money from, have some extra fuel in your cars, and have a designated place to evacuate, Cecchine said.

“Let people outside of your immediate family know what your plan is so they know how to find you,” he added.

Once your plan is in place, build community resilience by making sure make sure you neighbors and others in your area are prepared too.

The ill and elderly are among the most vulnerable during a hurricane since they require extra assistance. Cecchine suggested working with neighbors and local officials to create a specialized evacuation plan.

“Before hurricane season every May, you should also talk to your doctor about having extra medications on hand,” Cecchine said.

Create emergency kits

Having an emergency kit in your home and one in your car is important since you don’t know when disaster could strike. Check out the Red Cross' website for a full Hurricane Safety Checklist for what to pack in your kit. Items include a flashlight, first aid kit, cell phone chargers, blankets, and a map of surrounding area.

Take stock of your stuff

Do you know whether your insurance coverage protects against natural disasters and damages such as flooding? Are you also covered against loss or damage of valuable personal property like jewelry and collectibles? Besides working with your agent having the proper paperwork in place, it’s also important to take inventory of your belongings beforehand, says Cecchine. That way you know can accurately remember what personal items, if anything, has been damaged or has gone missing.

Keep your insurance agent involved

Unfortunately, there are many scam artists who exploit those who have lost their homes or have faced significant damage from a natural disaster. Cecchine suggested getting to know your insurance agent and working with her during a disaster.

“Don’t trust people that say they’re going to pay your insurance company’s down payment or they’ll fix your roof for money up front,” Cecchine said.

“Don’t pay anyone who’s not associated with insurance companies to do work on your home,” he added.

Stay informed

Have a reliable place to go to get up-to-date information on the risk of a hurricane. A hand crank NOAA Weather Radio is one way to pay attention to the forecast and orders from local authorities. It’s also important to know the difference between threat levels that are issued. A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are a threat within 48 hours and to be prepared to act if there’s a warning. A Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours and to be prepared to evacuate if you are directed to do so by authorities.

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