A hurricane can be a devastating event, leaving homeowners with costly damage to repair. The average cost to repair any type of storm damage varies between $2,506 and $18,355. While some hurricane damage is unavoidable, there are proactive steps homeowners can take to protect their house and family.
If you’re worried about how to prepare for a hurricane, the first step is to create a hurricane preparation checklist and follow it closely. A checklist will ensure that you are prepared for the storm and can take the necessary steps to minimize any damage and your anxiety. The second step is to have property insurance to alleviate the cost of repairing damage.
Both a checklist and insurance are crucial for protecting your house and assets from a hurricane.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane: A Checklist
If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, make sure you are aware of the potential risks and have a plan in place.
What You Should Include in Your Hurricane Preparedness Kit
Customize your hurricane emergency preparedness kit according to you and your family’s needs, but make sure to include the following in a waterproof and portable container.
- Food and water for at least three days
- Battery operated radio and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First-aid kit and medications
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of important documents like insurance policies, identification, and bank account information
How to Prepare Your Family and Pets
Your family should have a plan in place in case of an emergency. Choose a meeting place outside of your home in case you are unable to return. And, have an evacuation bag ready for each member with essential items such as clothes, snacks, medicine, and important documents.
Also have a bag ready for your pets to transport them if you need to evacuate. Include food, water, and toys.
How to Prepare Your House
When preparing your house for a hurricane, there are a few key things you can do to help minimize the damage.
- Make sure all of your windows and doors are boarded up or taped shut
- Clear your yard by bringing in any outdoor furniture or decorations that could be blown away
- Fill up any containers with water and store them in a safe place
- Unplug all electronics and appliances and move them to a higher location if possible
- If you have a generator, fill it up with gas and test it to make sure it is working properly
- Create an inventory of your belongings for insurance purposes
How to Prepare Your Car for a Hurricane
Make sure your car’s tank is full. If you plan on evacuating, know your route and have a map in case you get lost. Keep an emergency kit in your car along with extra snacks, water, and a first-aid kit.
By following this hurricane preparation checklist, you can help protect your home and assets from damage.
Preventing and Fixing Damage with Property Insurance
If your home sustains damage from a hurricane, take photos or videos of the damage and keep any receipts for repairs. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim. And, follow their guidelines for repairs.
It is important to have property insurance in case of any type of storm damage, such as hurricanes and floods. Property insurance will help cover the cost of repairs and can help minimize the financial damage a hurricane can cause.
Property insurance does not necessarily cover flood and hurricane damage. Make sure to review your policy and understand what is covered. If your property insurance doesn’t cover damages from hurricanes, you should purchase a separate policy.
Protect Your Property with Bethany Insurance
Your home is one of your most valuable assets, so it’s important to know how to prepare for a hurricane. That’s why Bethany Insurance offers comprehensive protection for your house, belongings, and family against a range of perils. To learn more about how we can help you protect your home, call us today!
