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2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season is Near - Are You Prepared?

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30, peaking in mid-August and late October. Even though hurricane researchers are predicting a slightly-below average season this year, residents in the Gulf and Atlantic states should prepare every year for potential landfalls.

Information provided by the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project released April 2017.

People who live in hurricane-prone coastal areas should know their vulnerability to wind and flooding, as well as what to do to reduce the effects of both. People who live inland from coastal areas may also experience high winds, power outages, and flooding from torrential rain. Protecting yourself today means having sources for information, preparing your home or workplace, developing an emergency communications plan, and knowing what to do when a hurricane is approaching your community. Taking action today can save lives and property.

Below are some important tips from Ready.gov to help you and our policyholders prepare for hurricane season:

Basic Hurricane Preparation

Consider buying flood insurance. Standard insurance policies do not cover flooding, including storm surge flooding.

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.

Put together a disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate.

If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.

Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet with your town, city, or county name and the word "alerts."

Preparing Your Home

Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.

Reduce property damage by retrofitting to secure and reinforce the roof, windows and doors, including the garage door.

Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.

After A Hurricane

Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.

Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.

Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

Watch out for debris and downed power lines.

Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

Avoid flood water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away.

Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.

Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.

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