What Homeowners Should Do to Prepare for Hurricane Season

If you live in the hurricane belt, it’s important that your home is protected and can withstand any storm.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, Hurricaneswith the severity of stormsNoaa Predicts Another Active Atlantic Hurricane Season Media Release varying each year. Hurricanes affect homeowners along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, so those residing from Texas to Maine are at risk. Hurricanes and storms take a devastating toll. These disasters caused $45 billion worthStates Fast Facts Hurricane Costs.html Coast.noaa.gov of home and property damage in 2019, although it varies each year.

So how can you protect your home? Here are the top ways to prepare your home for a hurricaneHow To Prepare Your Texas Home For A Storm Blog.

1. Have a Hurricane Preparation Plan

When local officials declare a potential hurricane emergency, you may only have a few days' notice. Sometimes these storms change course, which means there is a great deal of uncertainty. Your plan should include what you will do while you are at work and your children are in child care or school. The call to evacuate may come at any time in the day or night.

2. Assemble a Disaster Response Kit

Most people who have lived a long time in hurricane hot zones have created a hurricane survival kit. This is something to keep in the safest location at home, which could be the basement, garage, or closet. Among the items recommended by the U.S. governmentKit include:

• Water — one gallon per family member per day

• Food — a minimum of a three-day supply of non-perishable foods

• Battery-powered radio

• Flashlight 

• First aid kit

• Extra batteries

• Plastic sheeting

• Basic tools such as a wrench 

• Whistle or horn to call for help

• Cell phone with a battery charger

3. Make Your Homeowner's Insurance Covers Hurricane Damage

Even the most solidly built home will take some damage from a hurricane's strong winds and deluges of rain. The reality is that a major hurricane or any large storm can damage any home in unexpected ways. Rather than dipping into your "rainy day" fund, it's best to have the insurance company foot most or all of the bill. 

Homeowner's insurance is designed to protect you. Many policies cover the damage caused by high winds. However, many policiesWhat Homeowners Insurance Wont Cover If A Hurricane Hits 1504897428 Articles do not cover the damage caused by flooding. Therefore, it's important to shop around for insurance that covers flooding, a major consequence of hurricanes.

4. Make Sure the Roof Can Withstand the Elements

The best time to storm-proof your roof is when it's time to replace the roof. A few inexpensive upgradesHome Renovations Best Return Blog can make a big difference. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety outlines several tipsHurricane Hurricane Ready Residential Disastersafety.org any homeowner can use to strengthen the home's exterior. Even a basic groundskeeping chore such as cleaning the gutters and downspouts can prevent flooding. 

5. Make Sure Windows Can Withstand High Winds

If you are living in an area at high risk for hurricanes, such as on the Florida coast, then upgraded windows is a must. Hurricane grade windows can withstand winds of up to 150 miles per hour11 Glass Can Withstand 200 Mph Winds Flying Debris 2013. 

6. Your Personal Safety of You and Your Family Comes First

When public officials make the call for communities to evacuate, please heed the direction of these public safety experts. The risks of sheltering in place are far greater than evacuation. Therefore, knowing your evacuation route and leaving early is more important than remaining at home. 

Are you interested in learning more about real estate and the homes affected by hurricane season? Take some courses from Aceable Real Estate School and get your real estate license onlineReal Estate License.