Summertime is here, but with the summer months come summer storms, and yes, we are talking about the dreaded hurricane season. Those living in the Eastern and Southern coastal parts of the country know all too well the woes that come with hurricane season. Here are some essential hurricane preparedness tips you can use this season as a resident at a rental property.
Remember, ResidentShield renter’s insurance is here for you during hurricane season. Review and renew plans and update coverage for personal belongings, temporary housing and liability. As a resident living in a rental property, you are not responsible for protecting the property unless your lease agreement states otherwise. Talk to the property manager or owner about taking precautionary measures to protect the dwelling. If living close to the water, maybe suggest adding some storm shutters to glass windows and doors to the property owner.
Make an inventory list of items inside your property if you need to file a claim for loss or destruction during a hurricane. The inventory should include photos of objects, estimated purchase dates and values, brand names and models and, if possible, a copy or picture of receipts.
If you are in the eye or path of the hurricane, take precautions and decide if you will be staying or evacuating. If you choose to stay and not evacuate, plan to make some emergency kits, including emergency foods. Hurricane snacks that are still nutritional and filling in case the damage caused has stores closed for days or weeks without power. Include some apples, canned meats like tuna fish or chicken, peanut butter, protein bars and PLENTY of water. If the plumbing goes out, plan and fill the bathtub with water so you can still flush the toilet. Include plenty of batteries, battery chargers, flashlights and candles in your emergency kit. Be cautious when using candles; blow them out to not cause a fire. If you live in a house and have the capabilities and budget to have a generator, keep it outside and away from the dwelling so you do not end up in a more severe situation with carbon monoxide poisoning. Use the generator to plug in essential items such as refrigerators or fans.
If you decide to evacuate, plan for transportation and evacuation routes. You’ll need to plan so you are not stuck in traffic when the hurricane arrives. Listen to the local news and get out as soon as possible. Secure the property and pack essential items. If you have irreplaceable items such as old photographs, take those with you or secure them in an elevated space so they do not have any water damage from flooding. Hurricanes alerts and warnings will start about a week or more, so you can plan for accommodations accordingly.
Managing stress and anxiety when dealing with uncertainty during these challenging times is vital, especially if you have a family. Be sure to take some time to meditate, pray, or do whatever you do for your self-care routine. Music helps take some stress away, so play music everyone loves and have fun while not listening to the news every second of each day passing. If you are alone, take this time for some solitude and soul searching. Try to journal your thoughts and feelings so you can read back in the future. If you find yourself in a similar situation again, you can go back to read those journal pages and remember things to prepare yourself better mentally and physically. Maintain positive emotional well-being, and you will persevere through this challenging trajectory life throws at us.
And above all, stay safe!
