Q: I’m worried about the impending hurricane season. How can I protect my family and home from storm damage?
A: Hurricanes can blow in anytime from early June through the end of November. With their accompanying torrential downpours and winds that blow up to 111 mph or more, hurricanes can have devastating effects on properties and lives.
As a homeowner, a hurricane – or any strong storm – can prove to be your biggest nightmare. Storm damages can easily cost thousands of dollars to fix.
Of course, there are precautions and safety measures you can take to protect your property from storms, but where do you begin? It’s all so overwhelming!
No worries; McCoy Federal Credit Union can help you prepare! We’ll walk you through how to keep you, your loved ones, and your home safe when the storms blow in!
1.) Check your insurance coverage
Before you take any practical steps toward protecting your home and property from impending storms, review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Verify that damage from flooding and strong winds is adequately covered. If your policy seems to be insufficient, now is a good time to consider upgrading to a plan that will provide more extensive coverage.
2.) Protect your property against flooding
Perhaps the most devastating damage caused by hurricanes is the extensive flooding from high storm surges. Before storm season starts, spend an afternoon cleaning out your gutters and downspouts so they are in optimal working order. During the next rainfall, do a quick scout of your external drains and pipes. Check that they’re working effectively and that there are no areas where water gathers. If you spot a problem, take note of what needs to be fixed and tackle the job as quickly as you can after the rain.
It’s all about thinking ahead; an easy fix-up today can save you thousands of dollars in water damage tomorrow.
3.) Inspect your property’s structure
Before storm season hits, give your property an extensive once-over. You’ll want to ensure there are no structural issues that may be worsened by the strong winds and waters of a hurricane. Shaky roofs, loose shingles and weakened external walls can all give storm winds entry to your home, where they can do substantial damage.
Check your windows too, sealing up leaks and making sure the latches are secure. If your area is usually hit by strong storms, consider boarding up your windows in case of a hurricane. This is especially true for those facing the direction of the fiercest expected winds. You can do the same for your external doors.
4.) Review your evacuation route
Weather reports will usually come in with sufficient time to evacuate your hometown should it become necessary. However, it’s always a good idea to plan an evacuation route in advance and make plans for where you’d stay in case of a storm. Make sure you have clear directions for your destination. Also, verify that the relative or friend who will serve as your host will be OK with some spur-of-the-moment guests.
5.) Stock up!
Prepare your storm stock now. Don't wait until a hurricane is on the way and the shelves are emptying to hit the stores. Designate an area in your garage or basement for storm supplies. Keep it stocked with bottled water, flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit and non-perishable food items. FEMA recommends stocking one gallon of water per person for three days, and nine non-perishable meals per person.
It’s also a good idea to purchase a crank-powered or battery-operated radio so you aren’t cut off from the outside world. You can even find one with a cellphone charging port which can really come in handy in case of a power outage.
This way, when a storm is coming, you can prepare your property without worrying about stocking up on supplies.
6.) Take last-minute precautions
You may have prepared for those hurricanes and taken every necessary precaution. However, when a hurricane warning or watch is in effect, it’s smart to do another check on your property. Here are some last-minute measures you can take in the days before a storm is set to hit your area:
- Using bungee cords or something similar, secure a tarp or large garbage bag over external air conditioning units to prevent damage by airborne projectiles.
- Walk through your entire external property, checking for scattered debris and loose-hanging branches. Remove any loose items you find, as they can turn into projectiles during a storm, causing extensive damage to your home and property.
- Patch any visible foundation cracks around your home.
- If your home has a sump pump, clear any debris and check that it’s operating properly to prevent clogging.
- Double-check to ensure your gutters are completely cleared.
- Consider sealing and boarding your windows and doors.
- Get some cash out from your credit union well in advance in the event they need to close early.
Hurricanes can cause extensive damage and demand careful preparation on your part.
Here at McCoy FCU we want to help. Call, click, or stop by one of our
