What do I do to prepare for a hurricane and what can I expect afterwards?

There are actions that you as a homeowner can take before a hurricane which can help you to be more prepared. There are numerous hurricane guides available with advice, lists of supplies and local contact information. These are usually free and they are easy to access by doing a quick search online. We will provide you links to some we found informative and useful in the EXTRAS section of this guide.

Protect yourself and your family buy being prepared, securing all the items in and around your home, filling up your gas tank and following any and all evacuation orders if given.

Preparing Around Your Home For A Hurricane

- If you have shutters put them up

- If not, follow recommendations on how to board up and protect all openings

- Take down all hanging plants

- Put lawn furniture in the garage

- Put away or secure anything that could become a missile or flying object

- Check your trees, trim back all limbs away from the house and remove any dead ones and secure or remove everything you cut down

- Make sure you have all the recommended supplies

- Be sure to have your insurance policy & inventory information including all contact information

- If you evacuate, take the pertinent information with you

After the storm, if you sustain damage, contact your insurance carrier immediately to start the claims process. If you are displaced due to damage and cannot live in your home, be sure to keep a record of all expenses, receipts and documentation. When damage is sustained from a storm you need to attempt to protect your home from further damage until an adjuster can come out (i.e. tarps on the roof to keep additional water from entering, etc.). Do whatever you can to minimize more damage and be sure to document as much as you can using both pictures and video and keep all receipts.