Hurricanes and tropical systems can bring strong winds and rain. Here’s how you can prepare:
1. Invest in a weather radio
Have a way to get updates if cell services or power lines go down. Many weather radios now work as backup power banks with ports to plug in your phone and with solar and crank handles to recharge the battery.
2. Add your agent to your phone contacts
Put your agent and insurance company in the contact list on your phone. Make copies of important documents, such as your policy’s declaration page and auto and health ID cards and email them to yourself so you can get to them if you have to evacuate.
3. Prepare your home
- Remove dead tree limbs and branches that hang over your house.
- Check for items that can become windborne, such as yard furniture or trampolines, and tie them down or bring them inside.
- Clean gutters to let the water drain faster.
- Close doors to keep your roof on.
- If you plan on using a generator if the power goes out, make sure you have enough fuel. If you haven’t used it in a while, make sure it starts.
4. Be ready to evacuate
- Pack a bag with your insurance policies, home inventory, health plan cards, medication, water, and food in case you need to leave your house.
- If you have pets, make sure you have their vaccination records, food, water, leash, collar, tags, and crate.
- Keep your gas tank full.
- Plan an evacuation and a backup evacuation route.
- Let family members know where you’ll meet if you need to evacuate.
5. Listen to the news
Follow any evacuation orders from your local government.
