The best way to ensure your family's safety before Hurricane Season arrives is to prepare for the worst. No one wants to think their entire home could be destroyed, but if it ever were, you want to be as prepared as possible. The best time to make a hurricane plan is when there is no hurricane. Here are some ways you can prepare yourself, your home, and your family:
Supplies:
When a hurricane strikes, you will not have access to many of the things you will need to survive, or the freedom to go out and buy them. Even before the threat of a hurricane, many people will follow the same thought process and search for common items. It is best to gather your hurricane supplies months before the season arrives. Here is a basic list of things you will need. Apart from this list, you should consider additional items such as toys for your children, or even games the entire family can enjoy to help the time go by.
Evacuation Plan:
Your hurricane supplies should be packed in backpacks in case your family is instructed to evacuate. This way, everyone can help carry the load. You should have a satellite radio on hand in case there is no electricity to hear the latest evacuation instructions and to stay updated on the status of the storm. Be sure to have a list of medications, a good supply of cash, and anything else you will need immediately. Having a family discussion ahead of time will help keep everyone calm if this were to ever happen, especially younger children. Remind everyone to stick together, and if separated, find a meeting point and know your emergency contacts.
Don't forget about your four-legged family members. Your pets should always be included in your emergency plans. Be sure to prepare a travel kit and emergency supplies for them, just as you would for yourself and your children.
Important Documents:
All documents such as passports, driver's licenses, citizenship documents, birth/adoption certificates, insurance policies, etc. should be kept in an airtight, waterproof container or storage bin. You should also make a habit of scanning these documents and keeping an electronic version in case they are ever misplaced during the chaos. Along with your documents, you should also keep an updated inventory of personal items, especially the ones which hold the most value.
Preparing Your Home:
There are many steps you can take to prepare your home before a hurricane strikes, such as installing shutters, clearing the yard, strengthening your roof, and more.
Use Your Resources:
The most important thing to know before, during, and after a hurricane is your resources. These websites and numbers should be posted in several areas in your home for easy access. These resources are always available to you, and they could save a life in the case of an emergency.
Insurance Coverage:
Before Hurricane Season arrives this year, be sure to give your agent a call to review your policy make sure you are completely covered if disaster strikes. The last thing you want to worry about is how you will replace your home and valuables if they are destroyed. It's better to be safe than sorry! Edison Insurance Company knows the importance of keeping your family and home safe and protected. We strive to provide efficient, cost-effective, peace-of-mind protection for our policyholders. To learn more about Edison Insurance Company, please contact (866) 568-8922 or get a quote on our website.
