June Is the Start of Hurricane Season – Here’s How to Prepare

There are few situations more devastating than a hurricane. Though we’re not directly along the coast, the resulting wind, water, and debris from a hurricane can wreak absolute havoc on entire neighborhoods within a matter of minutes. Alongside shattering your home, a hurricane can shatter your life. But being prepared can save you time and money, and can help prevent injury. With the recent start of the 2019 hurricane season, more homeowners are taking the matter seriously. We, as a community, need to come together and prepare. We can help you prevent serious storm damage and thrive in East Alabama.
Hurricane Season Preparation
You should not wait until a hurricane touches a coast near you. By then, it’s likely too late to properly prepare and take precautions. These tips and techniques will help you reduce property damage and avoid injury if a storm hits the region.

1. Plan Your Evacuation Route – If a hurricane is headed your way, you need a solid evacuation plan in place. You’ll want to adhere to local government and authorities but create an evacuation plan that fits your needs.
2. Create an Emergency Preparedness Kit – A hurricane preparedness kit should include three days of non-perishable food and water per person, a first aid kit, batteries, a flashlight, a NOAA weather radio, matches, and prescription drugs.
3. Keep a Thorough Inventory – You should compile a home inventory of all the items that you have purchased, just in case the hurricane damages any, for the insurance company. A full list will make replacing such items easier.
4. Review Your Insurance Policy – This hurricane season, you need to better understand your insurance coverage and whether you have enough to repair or rebuild your home, while also replacing lost or damaged belongings.
5. Protect Your Home – You should take steps to prepare your home, including replacing the gravel with shredded bark, trimming weak trees, installing storm shutters, replacing old garage doors, and sealing wall openings from the outside.

Surviving During a Hurricane
All of the preparation in the world, while infinitely more useful than doing nothing at all, can be useless if you don’t know what to do during the hurricane.

• If you are told to evacuate your home or business by local authorities, do so immediately, as the situation is likely escalating. However, do not drive through barricades or standing water.
• If you are sheltering from high winds, go to a FEMA safe room, ICC 500 storm shelter, or windowless room on the lowest floor.
• If you are trapped inside of a building during a flood, go to the highest level. However, do not go into the attic or an enclosed space due to the risk of being trapped.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through standing water. Floodwaters are often deeper than they appear and highly contaminated.

If your home is affected by hurricane damage, contact Restoration 1 of East Alabama.