Preparing for Hurricane Season

When it comes to severe weather, prevention is much better than reaction. In the event of a potential hurricane strike, please use the following checklist to assess your preparedness.

You’ll want to secure your home, starting with window and door protection. These openings are prone to wind damage, rain leakage, and debris impact.

• Check your door and window shutters or protection equipment to be sure everything you need is on hand and in good working order
• Realistically evaluate whether you will be able to put up the shutters in the event of a hurricane watch. If the shutters haven’t been used in a long time, have them inspected by a professional

If your home is not up to your standards, retrofit it where necessary. Areas to check include:

• Roof to wall connections
• Roofing materials
• Exterior doors
• Garage doors.
• Prune trees and heavy vegetation around the home

Finally, make sure to document the state of your home – interior and exterior – with video and photos to support insurance claims and store alongside copies of important documents.

It is better to be safe rather than sorry! In the event of a hurricane, assemble supplies in watertight containers. Suggested items include:

• First aid supplies and medicines (for family and pets)
• Water (at least one gallon daily for each person for 3 to 7 days, plus pets)
• Non-perishable canned and packaged food
• Pet food
• Manual can opener and bottle opener
• Paper plates, cups, and utensils
• Paper towels and toilet paper
• Resealable plastic bags and garbage bags
• Flashlights, radio, extra batteries
• Basic tools and duct tape
• Matches and lanterns
• Rain gear, extra clothing, sturdy shoes, and blankets
• Personal toiletries
• Chlorine bleach to use as a disinfectant and moist towelettes
• A duplicate set of keys and copies of essential documents, such as insurance policies, medical records, Social Security cards, bank account numbers, and credit cards
• Pet supplies, identification and immunization records, leash, muzzle, and carrier

If you cannot stay in your home due to high risk, having a plan in place that your entire household is aware of is essential. An evacuation plan should consist of:

• Talking to your family about what you will do if a hurricane is predicted to hit
• Identifying the most important items to take
• Designate an out-of-area contact person
• Planning where you will go and what route you will take
• Pet care planning

A hurricane watch means possible hurricane conditions are affecting your area. Stay on the safe side with the following:

• Fill your car with gas
• Charge all phones and electronics
• Have cash – in small bills – for at least a week
• Double-check your hurricane supplies and make any additions
• Store lawn furniture, potted plants, and anything else that the wind could pick up
• Take inventory of your shutters or door and window protection
• Monitor the storm’s progress on local TV, radio, or online at the National Hurricane Center website, www.nhc.noaa.gov

A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within your area. This is the time to take action with the following:

• Put up storm panels or close up your folding, rolling, Bahama, or colonial shutters
• Double-check your home for loose items that could become airborne and secure
• Put your vehicles in a garage
• Lower pool water levels several inches, but do not drain the pool
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their highest settings
• Add plastic jugs of water to take up space in the fridge or freezer
• Fill tubs and sinks with tap water for possible use later
• Remain indoors
• Monitor the storm’s progress on local TV, radio, or online at the National Hurricane Center website, www.nhc.noaa.gov. Evacuate promptly should an evacuation order be issued

We custom fit shutters to ensure the best fit and safest barrier against the elements during a hurricane. So, if you need storm shutters, contact us today to learn more about our products and get a free estimate.