Remember: Your own safety is more important than protecting your home, so staying behind when others are evacuating is never a good idea. You want to go having done the things you should have done so there's a good chance when you return that your house is in good shape.". If there is time before the storm hits your area, it’s good idea to move furniture to higher ground, but only if you have time. It only makes sense that you take whatever precautions necessary to prepare your home for a hurricane. It is essential to prepare emergency supplies to keep your family healthy and safe. Hurricanes are devastating that it may cut off your power and water supply. You can strengthen your existing garage door by installing a vertical garage door brace and reinforcing it with horizontal wooden beams. "The roof is the largest potential opening on the house, and wind and water can do terrible things if they get through the roof.". The last thing you want in a storm is to have gutters that are backed up; the water will find a way out, probably into your roof and attic. © 2016 CBS Interactive Inc.. All Rights Reserved. If you have large trees in your garden that are more than ten feet from your house, consider cutting some of the larger branches. make a flashlight glow in the dark so it’s easy to locate. To figure out how to best protect homes from damage in a hurricane, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety built a six-story test chamber where experts can simulate the effects of hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and other natural disasters on full-scale one- and two-story homes, said President and CEO Julie Rochman. Check for any loose shingles and replace them accordingly. Surge protectors come in two main types, he explains: “a box that plugs directly into a wall receptacle or a strip with a power cord and multiple plug-in outlets.” Also, make sure that any appliances in lower levels are up on wood or concrete blocks to keep their motors above possible flood levels. Many homeowner insurance policies cover damage during a hurricane, but not the floods that often follow the storm, Worters said. Make sure the posts supporting your porch, carport or other structures attached to your home are firmly anchored to the ground. Prepare for unexpected disasters like floods and fires by following these tips. Take down large wall-mounted items, such as TVs and paintings, and if you have a spare room with no windows, consider using it as a temporary storage. Hurricane season begins on June 1st and ends November 30th in the Atlantic. Reviewing your home insurance policy is probably the single most important item on your home hurricane preparedness list. / MoneyWatch. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And if you have loose branches or tree limbs hanging over your house, they should be trimmed ASAP to prevent damage to your roof. Part of your evacuation plan should also include telling family and friends where you’re heading, ensuring the cars are full of gas, and having extra cash on hand. read. Gable-end roofs are styles most vulnerable to high winds. Inspect each of them and reapply sealant if necessary. For a complete list of how to prepare an evacuation plan, go here. Hurricanes often bring heavy flooding, winds, and even tornadoes, so don’t just assume that you won’t get hit by a hurricane if you don’t live on the coast. "Run from the water, hide from the wind" is the adage when it comes to fleeing your home ahead of a hurricane. Even if you have surge protection in place, it’s ideal to unplug your electronic devices and appliances if your home is hit by a power cut. In some states, including Florida, builders are required to attach a home's roof to the walls with metal straps, Rochman said. If you know that you live in a hurricane prone area, you should make a hurricane evacuation plan ASAP as a precaution. That way if the power does go out your food will stay cold a little longer. ICE Limitations. Purchase the Necessary Emergency Supplies. Here are a few things you can do to get your home ready and as stormproof as possible. According to Phillips, your kit should include enough water for three days (one gallon per person per day), three days’ worth of non-perishable food items, necessary medications, important documents and paperwork, a regular first aid kit, flashlight, and either a weather radio or regular radio (make sure you have batteries for it, too!). Hurricanes are very unpredictable and you don’t want to be scrambling last minute to put together an evacuation plan if a hurricane is heading your way. We work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve from your accident. Even if you’re inland on the East Coast, you’ll feel the heavy rains and winds. While candlelight is fine and dandy for an occasional date night, if you want to avoid finding yourself without electricity, consider purchasing a generator. It’s your sanctuary and a place of safety. When it starts pouring, there’s not much you can do besides wait it out, but you certainly can prepare for the rain ahead of time by purchasing sandbags at your local hardware store. Take time each year to make sure your insurance policy will cover the full cost of rebuilding if you lose your home in a storm, suggested Loretta Worters, vice president of communications for the Insurance Information Institute (III). Be sure to look into your insurance policy and check what is covered. If your door gets broken: If the storm damages the locks on your door, there are still ways to keep your home secure. July 11, 2016 / 5:00 AM Prepare your fridge and freezer. A basic storm kit is designed to get a family through 48 hours without electricity and basic services. “Many Americans rely on their neighbors after a disaster, but there are also many ways you can help your neighbors before a hurricane approaches,” says NOAA. Your home insurance documents and other important papers should be part of your storm kit and readily available in the event of a disaster because you will need that proof for claims and assistance. Will you continue to nonperishable canned and dry foods throughout the year? Purchasing these goods at the last minute can be difficult, especially when all the stores are packed with other shoppers who are making last-minute purchases. "There's a huge amount of flooding associated with hurricanes.". We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. “Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. For those closer to big storms, it’s good to always have half-inch-thick plywood cut for your windows at the ready. Also, make a list of all your belongings, both inside and outside your house, which will allow your insurance company to determine what will need to be covered in case it is damaged or destroyed. how to prepare an evacuation plan, go here. Walk along the perimeter of your home and check for cracks or signs of stress in the foundation, because these can cause flooding or plumbing issues. Be aware that the policy won’t go into effect for 30 days, so it’s crucial to buy your insurance way before a storm is coming. Unplugging your appliances will prevent any potential damage from a power surge once power is restored. Eat perishables first in anticipation of the power going out. And to find home-service experts in your area, try searching on neighborly.com. (Never walk into a flooded area that has appliances, because you can get shocked.). Here’s to hoping you won’t have to use the kit, but in the meantime, it’s always best to be prepared. If it’s possible, keep your neighbors updated during the storm. When you prepare your home for a hurricane, you will want to do more than shut your windows and exterior doors: you will need to close every door inside your house as well. Our latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can build it, too! This can help your insurance broker ensure you have enough insurance to replace any damaged items after a hurricane. When storms hit, they can cause power outages and electrical surges that can damage interior appliances, says Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Appliance. A hurricane is coming, so you’re busy worrying about your family, but don’t forget about your neighbors. Before a hurricane hits -- like Dorian -- make sure your yard, car and home are ready for the stormy weather ahead.