Hurricanes are powerful and unpredictable storms that can cause devastating damage to homes, businesses, and communities. If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, you need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Here are six things you can do today to prepare for a hurricane tomorrow.
- Start buying in bulk now. Don’t wait until the last minute to stock up on essential supplies such as water, food, batteries, flashlights, first aid kits, and medications. You may not be able to access these items when a hurricane strikes, or they may be in short supply or in high demand. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should have at least three days of supplies for each person and pet in your household. You should also have cash on hand, as ATMs and credit card machines may not work during a power outage.
- Perform a sweep of your property’s exterior. Check your roof, windows, doors, and shutters for any cracks, leaks, or loose parts that could let in water or wind. Repair any damages as soon as possible. You should also secure any outdoor furniture, equipment, or decorations that could become flying debris during a hurricane. If you have time, you can also install hurricane shutters or plywood boards over your windows and doors to protect them from breaking.
- Trim tree limbs that are near or touching the building. Trees can be a major hazard during a hurricane, as they can fall on your roof, power lines, or vehicles. To prevent this, you should trim any branches that are overhanging or close to your property. You should also remove any dead or diseased trees that could easily topple over. This will reduce the risk of damage and injury from falling trees or limbs.
Find out if your business is in an evacuation zone and what to do if you are. Depending on the severity and direction of the hurricane, you may be ordered to evacuate your area by the local authorities. You should know in advance if your business is located in an evacuation zone and what route you should take to reach a safe shelter. You should also have a backup plan in case your primary route is blocked or congested. You can find out more information about evacuation zones and routes from your local emergency management agency.
- Consider purchasing a portable generator if you haven’t already. A portable generator can provide you with electricity when the power goes out, which can be very useful for running essential appliances such as refrigerators, fans, or medical equipment. However, you should be careful when using a generator, as it can produce carbon monoxide (CO), a deadly gas that is odorless and colorless. You should never use a generator indoors or near windows, doors, or vents. You should also have a CO detector with working batteries in your home or business.
- Go over any emergency preparedness plans to ensure they are up to date and understood by the entire team. If you have employees or coworkers, you should make sure that everyone knows what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. You should review your emergency contact list, communication system, backup data, insurance coverage, and recovery procedures. You should also assign roles and responsibilities to each team member and practice your plan regularly. One of the most important aspects of your plan is your insurance coverage. You should make sure that you have adequate insurance for your property and assets in case of hurricane damage. You should also review your policy terms and conditions carefully and understand what is covered and what is not. If you are looking for a reliable and affordable insurance provider in Texas, you can contact Van Dyke Rankin & Co., an independent insurance agency that offers a range of insurance products and services to individuals and employer groups. They have been helping people in Texas find the insurance services that they need since 1936. Explore our website or call them at (979) 836-5636 for more information.
By following these six tips, you can prepare yourself and your business for a hurricane tomorrow. Remember that hurricanes are unpredictable and can change course at any time, so you should always stay alert and informed about the latest weather updates and warnings. Stay safe and stay prepared!
