Five Ways to Prepare for Hurricane Season

With 12 named storms between hurricanes and tropical storms per year, the best way to minimize the impact of every storm is to stay prepared. Hurricanes and tropical storms are some of the most common natural disasters affecting many countries. And no, they don't only affect people who live along the coast. They can do damage hundreds of miles from the coast. September is the likely month for a hurricane, but hurricane season varies across different parts of the United States.

• Eastern Pacific: May 15 to Nov. 30
• Atlantic: June 1 to Nov. 30
• Central Pacific: June 1 to Nov. 30

There are a few things you should do to prepare for hurricane season this year.

Plan Your Evacuation Route

If a big storm is coming to your area and you live on the coast or in a mobile home, you may have to leave. Even though the local government will tell you what to do, it's a good idea to make an evacuation plan well before a disaster. So, you'll know ahead of time how to get to the nearest shelters quickly, how to keep your family, pets, and documents safe and how to do a test run.

Secure Your Home

As hurricane season gets closer, you should take steps to protect your home from hurricanes and high winds. Here are some things you can do:

• Trim dead and broken branches of your trees.
• Protect your windows, doors, and skylights with storm shutters or impact-resistant glass.
• Replace the exterior glass with tempered glass
• Bring all patio furniture, potted plants, bikes, and toys indoors.
• If you need to, use burlap or blankets tied with rope to secure outdoor sculptures.

Prepare Your Car

Before the storm comes, make sure your car is ready. Fill up the gas tank of your car. Put your cars and trucks in the garage or somewhere covered. Keep a first-aid kit in your car at all times. If you don't have a car, make plans with friends or family or call the authorities to get a ride if you need to leave.

Keep Important Documents Safe

Keep valuables like jewelry and important papers like legal papers, birth certificates, marriage licenses, financial papers, and insurance policy information in a safety deposit box. Alternatively, you can store them in a waterproof and fireproof safe inside your home.

Keep a Bag of Emergency Supplies Close

When a hurricane warning comes, people rush to their local grocery stores to get supplies and secure their homes. Before the hurricane season starts, you can get ahead of the crowd by putting certain supplies in an easy-to-reach place. Get flashlights, a portable radio, extra batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water, cash, blankets, clothes, and toiletries. If any family member needs any prescription medicine, get those too.

Even with all the preparation, you may still suffer damages to your home or property when a severe hurricane rolls through your area. To find the help you need with your insurance claim, work with our public insurance claim adjuster in Hillsborough County.

Contact Five Star Claims Adjusting to hear how we can help you today!