FOUR HURRICANE PREPARATION TIPS FROM EAST & GREENWELL INSURANCE
It’s almost June in Florida. You know what that means…. Hurricane season is upon us!
We have been very fortunate the past several years in Southwest Florida as we have only had minimal effects from hurricanes. But as many of us know, that can change in an instant.
This hurricane season, our recommendation is to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
Whether you’ve lived in Florida for years or you are new to the neighborhood, there are certain steps you can take to protect your home and your loved ones if there is a storm on the horizon.
Below, we will share four recommendations to follow if there is a tropical storm or hurricane heading your direction in the coming months:
- Install Hurricane Shutters on Your WindowsIf your home was built in 2002 or after, chances are you may already have hurricane shutters sitting in your garage. If a storm is heading your direction, it’s a good idea to install these shutters at least 24 hours before the storm is scheduled to make impact.If you don’t already have storm shutters, it may be an investment worth considering. Not only do they help provide an extra layer of protection but they also give you a peace of mind that your family will be safe inside your home.
- Purchase Supplies and Non-perishablesWhen preparing for a storm, you should ask yourself what you would want or need on hand if you were to lose power for any amount of time. It’s not uncommon for power to be out for a week or more after a storm passes through.Here are a few essentials we recommend purchasing as you prepare for a hurricane:
- Batteries
- Bottled Water
- Gasoline
- Non-perishable food
- Propane
- Flashlights
- Ice/cooler
- Make a PlanIf you are planning to ride out the storm at home, it is always best to have a backup plan. It’s not uncommon for a Category 1 or 2 hurricane to suddenly jump in strength to a 3 or 4 before making landfall.You should research nearby hurricane shelters so that you know what is available to you should you choose to go to a shelter.If you have a pet that would come with you, be sure to research in advance which shelters are animal friendly.
- Monitor the Storm CloselyThe truth is, no one can completely predict what a storm will do. That’s why once you have made your preparations, the most important thing you can do is monitor the storm using the news and Weather Channel. This will keep you up to date on the latest news and the severity of the storm and give you better insight as to how to best protect your family and your home.
As your local trusted insurance agents, the team at East is Greenwell is available to answer any questions you may have about hurricane coverage and/or flood insurance.
Call us at 239-434-7877 to speak with one of our agents today.