August is the peak season for hurricanes. The Atlantic and Gulf coasts are hot, hot, HOT this time of year, producing category-worthy hurricanes. Here are some essential hurricane preparedness tips to avoid getting into a tizzy.
Remember, you have reliable support from ResidentShield renter’s insurance during hurricane season. Review and renew your 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. Discuss preventive measures with the property manager or owner to protect the dwelling. If you live close to the water, suggest adding storm shutters to the glass windows and doors for protection. 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.
Evacuate or stay?
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, such as nonperishable snacks that are nutritional and filling, in case stores are 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 to fill the bathtub with water so you can still flush the toilet. Your emergency kit should include plenty of batteries, battery chargers, flashlights, and candles. Be cautious when using candles; blow them out so as not to 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 prepare 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.
Pets and Seniors. Our furry friends and grandparents need extra assistance during a state of emergency. For pets, be sure if you are evacuating to a shelter, it is pet friendly. NEVER leave pets behind. Pack a pet emergency kit, including food, medications, water bowls and comfy beds/blankets. Keep pets calm and reduce anxiety with calming collars, music and a safe space. Prepare for the worst in case you get separated from your pet and have ID tags and microchips updated. Get grandma or grandpa situated with senior-friendly emergency kits, including medications, mobility aids and personal care items. If you aren’t living with or close to your elderly family, form a strategy to build reliable support networks with neighbors, buddy systems and community resources. Be sure they have access to critical information, including emergency radios, mobile apps and alert systems tailored to their needs.
Keep cool and calm. Above all, managing stress and anxiety during these challenging times is vital, especially if you have a family! Be sure to take some time for self-care, whether meditation, prayer, or any other routine that helps you relax. Music can be a great stress reliever, so play some tunes everyone loves and have fun while not listening to the news every second of each day. If you are alone, take this time for some solitude and self-reflection. Try to journal your thoughts and feelings to reference them for future use. This can help you prepare better mentally and physically for similar situations in case of another storm. You will be better equipped to navigate life’s challenges by maintaining positive emotional well-being.
Stay safe this hurricane season!
