When does hurricane season start?
For the United States, in the Atlantic region, hurricane season lasts from early June to late November. Hurricanes are one of the most devastating and costly natural disasters. Therefore, it is essential to prepare your home and family before the storm hits. We have some basic principles that will help protect your assets and keep you and your loved ones safe and secure.
Prepare your yard and home for a storm
- Know where to turn off your water, electricity and gas.
- Reinforce doors or windows, including your garage door, that are likely to blow away in a storm.
- Consider switching your Refrigerator and Freezer to the coldest setting; this will keep your food cold longer if you lose power. Or, prepare a cooler with plenty of ice so you can transfer food in if needed
- Storm wind speeds can range from 74 – 156+ mph. It is essential to store or carry outdoor lawn furniture, tools, toys, or anything else that the wind can pick up. Be sure to secure non-movable objects.
There is a way to communicate
Whether you’re a family of one or six, you have family members and friends elsewhere who will worry. Remember to communicate with them (when appropriate) that you are safe.
Prepare an emergency kit before hurricane season
Part of preparing for a storm means having an emergency kit. An emergency kit is a collection of essentials that you and your family may need in an emergency. Have your kit ready in advance of an emergency, and be sure to rotate items as needed and remove or add items as your family changes. You might also consider updating your emergency kit with hand sanitizer and face masks.
Stay till date
Heed emergency alerts, follow your local news, know emergency shelters, and know your evacuation route if needed. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Center for Hurricanes is another great resource for tracking hurricanes and tropical storms.
Know how to file a claim
Make sure you have your policy number on hand in case you need to file a complaint. You can submit a request on our website at bankersinsurance.com or call 727,308.0496. Responding quickly to water damage is vital to protecting your home. If you need urgent water mitigation, contact one of our preferred suppliers. Rytech: Emergency Line 800,868.8787 or ADS Emergency Line 888,898.0699.
We’ve got you
These are just a few ways you can prepare for a storm. We have a free hurricane survival guide with more tips on storm preparedness, what to do afterwards, and a preparedness checklist that will help provide peace of mind when things go wrong.