The Atlantic hurricane season starts on June 1 and continues through November 30 and this year is projected to be a busy one. The experts at Colorado State University predict an “above-normal” season, with 19 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and four major storms of Category 3 or more.
The first week of May is Hurricane Preparedness Week, and we have some tips to help you prepare. Strong storms often cause roof damage, and there are some important things you can do now to get ready.
- Make a plan. Know your evacuation routes and plan with family members about a place to meet if you need to evacuate.
- Check your insurance policy to know what coverage you have. If you are unsure, it’s best to contact your agent so you know what to expect. Flood insurance must be purchased before a storm, so determine what your flood risk is before it’s too late.
- Create a “go bag” that has your important paperwork such as home insurance policies, identification such as passports or birth certificates, important phone numbers, medication, snacks, pet food, etc. You can find a checklist of supplies from FloridaDisaster.org at https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/preparing-for-the-2019-hurricane-season/.
- Inspect your home. This is the best time to check your home and remove any tree limbs that are close to the house. Also, if you can safely do so, inspect your roof. If there is damage, or you are not sure, call us and we will come out to inspect it for you. Document your furnishings with photos or video.
With storm season nearly here, preparing your family and home in advance can save time, trouble, and money. From Alex to Walter, this season’s storms are likely to be memorable.