We are currently in the midst of hurricane season, which runs from June through November. Historically, some of the most devastating storms have hit in late summer, such as Katrina—which impacted Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana in August 2005—and Harvey—which hit Texas and Louisiana in August 2017. This means, if you live in a hurricane-prone area, now is the time to start thinking about hurricane safety and planning. Follow the guidelines from Ready.gov, and start planning today!

Know the Hazards of a Hurricane

Never underestimate the power of a hurricane. Consider these risks and ways to mitigate them:

  • Storm surges can cause coastal flooding.
  • Heavy rain can cause inland flooding.
  • Winds can top 200 mph.
  • Tornadoes can develop as the hurricane moves ashore.
  • Rough seas and rip currents make swimming dangerous, both before and after a hurricane.

Create an Evacuation Plan

A hurricane or other disaster could strike at any time, so don’t wait to create an evacuation plan with your family. Here’s how:

  • Plan your evacuation route and keep an alternate route in mind.
  • If you are ordered to leave, do so immediately.
  • Communicate your evacuation plan with a family member or friend who isn’t in the storm’s path.
  • Plan for your pets, keeping in mind that many shelters don’t allow them.

Storm-Proof Your Building

By taking storm-proofing into your own hands, you can help protect your home or business and the belongings inside. Even if some damage occurs, your efforts can help keep restoration costs down. Here are the top ways to make your property more hurricane-resistant:

  • Keep the trees trimmed back from the roof.
  • Have plywood on hand to board up the building if necessary.
  • As the wind picks up, bring loose items inside.
  • Pull your car into the garage for protection, if possible.
  • Secure all windows and doors, including the garage door.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Every family member should have a 72-hour kit complete with basic emergency supplies, food and water, and anything else you need to survive at home or on the road for three days. Pack the supplies in a backpack, suitcase, or wheeled storage tub for portability.

Stay Up-to-Date with Hurricane Info

It’s important to stay informed as a hurricane approaches your area. Turn on the local news or keep a NOAA Weather Radio nearby. You can also receive alerts on your phone or access information from weather.gov, ready.gov, and flash.org. Finally, keep in touch with family and friends on social media to let them know you’re safe.

Your hurricane planning efforts should promote the safety of your family and help minimize the storm’s impact on your property. Still, if damage occurs, DKI can help. We are North America’s largest disaster restoration network, offering storm damage repair from coast to coast. For help recovering from a hurricane or other natural disaster, please contact us online or call us today at 844-354-2255.