If you live in Florida, Georgia or an area with hurricanes, you know how devastating these natural disasters can be. Hurricane season can be fairly predictable and you usually have advance warning before storms hit your area. This gives you a chance to make the necessary preparations.
The following are some key things to do to make sure you, your family and your home are ready for the 2024 hurricane season.
Before Hurricane Season Starts
Here are a few things for homeowners in Florida and Georgia to consider getting done before hurricane season starts.
1. Insurance Review
- Review your homeowners’ insurance policy to see what kind of coverage you have and change as needed
- Ensure you have adequate coverage for wind and flood damage
2. Home Inspection and Maintenance
- Inspect the roof for loose shingles or leaks and repair as needed.
- Trim trees and bushes to remove dead or weak branches to lower the chance of the debris causing damage during high wind and rain.
- Clean out your gutters and downspouts to allow water to freely flow through these items and away from the house.
- Secure outdoor items like patio furniture, grills, and trash cans.
3. Installations and Repairs
- Install storm shutters or plywood to protect windows and doors.
- Reinforce garage doors.
- Ensure your home is equipped with a generator, if possible.
- Check and repair the home’s foundation for cracks.
4. Emergency Supplies
- Stock up on non-perishable food items and bottled water (at least 3 days’ supply per person).
- Have a first aid kit readily available.
- Stock up on necessary medications.
- Gather essential personal items (toiletries, clothing).
- Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
- Have flashlights and extra batteries.
5. Important Documents
- Store important documents (insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security cards) in a waterproof, portable container.
- Create digital copies of these documents.
6. Emergency Plan
- Develop a family emergency plan, including evacuation routes.
- Know your community’s hurricane evacuation routes and shelter locations.
- Establish a communication plan to stay in touch with family members.
During the Hurricane Watch/Warning
Here are some key items to prepare for in case of a hurricane watch or warning in Florida, Georgia or other hurricane areas.
1. Monitor Alerts
- Stay tuned to local news and weather updates.
2. Secure Your Home
- Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, and any other loose items.
- Install storm shutters or board up windows.
- Fill bathtubs and large containers with water for sanitary purposes.
- Prepare for possible flooding with sandbags to prevent water from entering your home and garage.
3. Prepare Your Vehicle
- Fill up your vehicle’s gas tank or ensure your EV has a full charge.
- Check the oil, tire pressure, and other essentials.
- Pack an emergency kit in your car (food, water, blankets, maps, a flashlight).
4. Emergency Contacts
- Ensure you have a list of emergency contacts readily available.
- Charge your mobile phone and have a backup power source.
5. Evacuation Readiness
- If you’re in an evacuation zone, follow evacuation orders immediately.
- Take your emergency kit, important documents, and necessary medications with you.
- Have a bag packed with important papers, medications, small valuables, and some articles of clothing. If you have pets, have carriers, leashes, and any other accessories nearby in case you need to leave in a hurry.
After the Hurricane
Here some things to keep in mind after a hurricane.
1. Safety First
- Avoid downed power lines and flooded areas.
- Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire hazards.
2. Complete a Home Assessment
- Inspect your home for damage.
- Take photographs of any damage for insurance claims.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
- Report any damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Take photos of damage to submit with your report.
4. Cleanup
- Wear protective clothing and gear when cleaning up debris.
- Be cautious of mold and other hazards.
5. Offer Community Assistance
- Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled.
As with every natural disaster, there are always items that fall outside of the list we’ve provided above. Feel free to use this as a starting point and add your own additional items to it that fit your family’s needs.
We hope your home will never be damaged by a hurricane or other natural disaster. However, it’s always best to be prepared and have a plan so you know what to do if it does happen. Covenant Homes is a custom home builder in Florida and Georgia with strong ties to the communities they serve. We have a bank of floor plans and models to choose from if you are considering to build a new, custom home. To learn more about our custom home build process, contact us online.
