Don’t Just Survive a Hurricane — Thrive
With all this prep education, you’re on track to breeze through your next hurricane. Solid emergency kit? CHECK. Boarded up windows? CHECK. Post-storm mold inspection? CHECK. You’re a star! Let’s recap some of the key elements of our prep.
Get Flood Insurance
Remember, flood insurance isn’t standard in most policies, even if the flood is caused by an act of god! No matter how much you try to weatherproof your home, flooding will always be a risk if you live in a hurricane-prone region. Protect yourself by getting flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Contact your home insurance agent to find out how much coverage you need. Prioritize flood protection and avoid a financial headache post-hurricane.
After the Hurricane
Recovering from a hurricane is a process—both financially and emotionally. One of the best ways to help ease any financial distress is to thoroughly document all relevant damage. Be sure to take photos of everything. After you document the damage, submit your claims to each insurance agent, and research what your options are for additional coverage through government programs like FEMA. While it might be an emotional time, inspect your property completely so you can submit all of the documentation at once.
In the days immediately following a hurricane, be prepared to live a pioneer life. Your utilities may be out for a while. For maximum comfort, you might want to buy a generator, which would allow you better lighting and more cooking options. Otherwise, be ready to use your camping equipment at home until power and services are restored.
After ensuring that everyone in your group is okay, reaching out to help others will likely help you feel less anxious. Whether you volunteer at the community shelter, donate supplies, or house a displaced family, being useful can help to refocus your mind and make recovery easier.
Be Prepared for the Next Hurricane
Once it’s all over, regird those loins! Climate change means we’re in for more and more frequent weather events, and your area may be due for another hurricane within the same season. Don’t be downhearted, though! Hurricanes are intimidating, but like any storm, you can mitigate the risks by continually arming yourself with knowledge.
- Know the dangers of hurricanes and where hazard zones are
- Prepare an
emergency kit that’s ready to go within a day’s notice - Find a suitable place at home to shelter, or if you must evacuate, know your local evacuation routes and locations of storm shelters
- Ensure your home is adequately protected from both winds and floods, particularly during storm seasons
- Listen to authorities and stay aware of hurricane updates
- After the storm, take caution and be aware of potential damage to the surrounding area that may expose you to risk
It might seem like a lot, but take things one step at a time. Hurricane season can hit hard, but the rest of the year will be a breeze. If a storm does come, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve taken the right steps to keep your home, your family, and yourself safe.
