What to Do When a Hurricane is Arriving

What to Do When a Hurricane is Arriving, H&K Insurance Agency, Watertown, MAIn 2003, the website Ready.gov was developed and launched pro bono by advertising company The Martin Agency for the use of the Department of Homeland Security in an effort to provide better awareness and preparation for emergencies. After Hurricane Katrina, the focus shifted away from terrorist attacks, and more broadly on planning for disasters both man-made and natural. Below are excerpts from their Hurricane section, one of the highlights in their annual National Preparedness Month, along with our insights as an insurance company. Learn what to do when a hurricane is arriving.

Plan for a Hurricane

Research the area you are in, and learn if it has been affected or threatened by hurricanes in the past. Beside online searches, insurance companies make great consultants: after all, they track and catalog these types of events to calculate the risk to homeowners. Ready.gov suggests:

  • Know your hurricane risk. Talk to your local emergency management agency.
  • Make an emergency plan.
  • Build or restock your basic disaster supplies kit, including food and water, a flashlight, batteries, chargers, cash, and first aid supplies.
  • Familiarize yourself with local emergency plans. Know where to go and how to get there should you need to get to higher ground or to evacuate.

What to Do When a Hurricane is 36 Hours from Arriving

The 36 hour window may be all the warning you get that a hurricane will be affecting your area. Put your plan into action, and try to restock any shortfalls. The sooner you go to the stores, the more likely the supplies you need will still be on the shelves. Make sure to check on your insurance policy, and update your home inventory if you’ve made any major purchases recently. Ready.gov also suggests:

  • Turn on your TV or radio in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
  • Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
  • Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
  • Review your evacuation plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly so plan ahead.
  • Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.

What to Do When a Hurricane is 18 Hours from Arriving

When you’ve got less than 24 hours left and the hurricane hasn’t dissipated or change course, it’s time to batten down the hatches. Do everything you can to mitigate damage to your home: if your negligence contributes to the damage of your house, your policy may not cover it. Ready.gov advises:

  • Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
  • Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
  • Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.

What to Do When a Hurricane is 6 Hours from Arriving

At this point you’ve got the warning if you area is going to be evacuated or not. If you’re staying at home, be prepared for a power outage (learn more about preparing for one here). After one more check around your home, get indoors and remain there until the storm has passed. Ready.gov reminds you to:

  • If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.
  • Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
  • Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
  • Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

Like with most disasters, the work truly begins after the storm has passed. When you step outside or arrive back at your home, first see to any immediate dangers or emergencies. Next it’s important to break out your camera and document any damage internally or externally to your property. The sooner you can do this and get the information off to your insurance provider, the sooner you can start rebuilding or replacing any damages. Looking for the proper hurricane insurance? Talk to H&K Insurance, and we’ll help you prepare your home, car, and business for hurricanes and beyond.