Hurricane Home Preparation (Let's Get Ahead And Make Sure Your Home Is Ready)

As hurricane season approaches, it is critical to ensure that not only your home but also its surroundings, including vehicles, are prepared for potential severe weather. We have compiled a detailed checklist based on industry best practices to help you secure your property and maintain safety during a hurricane.

Vehicles

Keep Gas Tanks Full: In anticipation of evacuation orders, keep your car's gas tank full. This ensures you can leave quickly without needing to queue at gas stations, which might experience shortages or be inoperable during power outages.

Secure Your Vehicle In The Garage: If you have a garage, park your car inside to protect it from flying debris. If you do not have a garage, look for a secure location away from trees and other potential hazards.

Protect Windows and Glass Doors

Install Storm Shutters: The best way to protect windows and sliding doors is by installing storm shutters. If shutters are not available, board up windows with 5/8-inch marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to be mounted.

Manage Outdoor Objects

Secure or Store Outdoor Items: Patio furniture, gardening tools, and other loose objects in your yard should be secured or brought indoors. These items can become projectiles in high winds, posing a risk to your home and others.

Clear Drains and Gutters

Clear Debris: Ensure your gutters and storm drains are free of debris to prevent water buildup and potential flooding. This helps in directing the rainwater away from your home efficiently.

Communicate with Neighbors

Plan Together: Discuss plans with your neighbors, especially about securing shared spaces or property boundaries. Check on senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to them. Helping each other with preparations can improve safety and build a supportive community network.

Manage Home Utilities

Know How to Shut Off Utilities: Be familiar with how to turn off the gas line and electricity to your house. This can be crucial if you need to evacuate quickly or if there's a risk of flooding that might affect these utilities.

Consider Surge Protection: To protect your home from sudden power surges during storms, install surge protectors or a whole-house surge suppression system. This can prevent damage to electronics and appliances.

Prepare Your Generator

Set Up a Safe Generator Space: If you own a generator, ensure it's ready to use and that you have a safe, ventilated area outside your home to operate it. Never run a generator inside the home or garage, as this poses a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Stockpile Fuel: Store enough fuel in a safe place to run your generator for several days, depending on the forecast and expected power outages.

Extension Cords: Connect appliances to a generator with long grounded, heavy-duty extension cords to prevent electrical fires.

Additional Information

Find more information at Ready.gov, FEMA.gov, and Sign up for Community Alerts, and be aware of Emergency Alert System (EMS) & Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).

Bottom Line

By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly enhance your home’s resilience against hurricanes. Preparation not only protects your property but also gives you peace of mind, knowing you are ready to face severe weather conditions.

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Hurricane Home Preparation (Let's Get Ahead And Make Sure Your Home Is Ready)