Hurricane season is back! That means you can expect power outages, storm surges, and other perilous problems, now through November 30. An unprepared homeowner can be left with thousands of dollars in damage from a strong hurricane, so here at vipHome.app, we want to help you ready your home.
Stay safe and prevent storm damage to your home with our 2023 hurricane preparedness checklist! Also, get additional tips in our hurricane preparedness podcast with FEMA!
Item #1 – Stay informed
Sign up for local alerts with apps such as Nixle or the FEMA app. These apps will alert you to any warnings in your area. Also, consider buying a solar charger for your cell phone, just in the case the power goes out, and invest in a battery-operated radio. This way, you can still have an ear to official announcements if the nearby cell tower loses power.
Download the vipHome.app, which now sends critical weather alerts right to your phone!
“Homeownership is simpler and safer when you are prepared,” says Founder Alfred Bentley, “and that is what our weather notifications do.”
The app also sends preparedness tips, so you can ready your home for whatever Mother Nature sends your way. Sign up today!
Item #2 – Know the difference in hurricane alerts
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you understand the severity of the storm headed your way. This will help you make an informed decision concerning your safety. The National Weather Service will give you one of these alerts:
Hurricane watch: A hurricane or tropical storm (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) is possible in the next 48 hours. Monitor alerts, check supplies, and gather anything you might need in case of a power outage.
Hurricane warning: Experts expect a hurricane or tropical storm to hit the area in the next 36 hours. Listen for calls for evacuation and heed those warnings.
There are similar watches and warnings for tropical storms as well as storm surges, so be prepared to respond accordingly.
Item #3 – Plan for all options
“Better safe than sorry,” is a favorite phrase for these emergency situations. In fact, if you’ve ever wondered, “What is the important part of hurricane prep?” – this is it. Make plans with your family for all situations – if you’re staying for the duration of the storm or you need to leave.
Follow these emergency preparedness steps:
- Ready an emergency kit for your home (more on that below).
- Prepare for a power outage.
- Keep your gas tank full.
- Create an evacuation plan and know the approved evacuation routes.
- Designate an out-of-state emergency contact. This will be the person everyone contacts if you’re not together during the storm.
- Select a place where you all can go in case you need to evacuate and ensure that everyone knows how to get there. This can be a nearby shelter, set up by FEMA.
- Put together a “bug-out” bag that you can grab if you need to evacuate. It should be light and portable.
- If you have pets, make sure to include them in your plans, with pet-friendly hotels or a family member’s house as a safe place.
Item #4 – Secure emergency supplies
A hurricane preparedness checklist is not complete without gathering emergency supplies. Whether riding out the storm (if evacuation isn’t mandatory) or leaving the area, have the following essential items:
- Cell phones.
- Solar chargers.
- Batteries.
- Medicines (know how to store them safely, especially if they need refrigeration).
- Flashlights.
- A first aid kit.
- Money.
- Important documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.).
- Non-perishable food and water (enough for at least three days, a gallon of water per person per day).
- Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies.
- Protective gear.
- Blankets.
- Waterproof boots.
- Warm clothes.
- Irreplaceable items (your child’s favorite stuffed animals or wedding photo – only essential items).
Consider buying an emergency kit that includes many of the items above.
#Item 5 – Prepare your home
Preventing costly home damage begins by taking the necessary precautions before the hurricane arrives. To stop your patio umbrella from making a new hole in your neighbor’s sliding glass door, complete the following hurricane preparedness checklist:
- Check for loose shutters or screens. Tighten them as needed.
- Trim back wayward trees.
- Secure loose wires and cables.
- Remove debris from downspouts and gutters.
- Inspect your roof, and repair loose shingles.
- Use caulk to seal off doors and windows.
- Test sump pumps and clear exterior drains of debris.
- Test generators and make sure you have fuel available.
- Store lightweight items such as toys and patio furniture. Secure any objects remaining outside as they can become projectiles in high winds.
- If you live in a flood area, consider placing sandbags around your home’s perimeter. (Also, make sure you have the necessary homeowners insurance. If you’re not sure, contact your agent.)
- Protect windows and doors by covering them with plywood or hurricane shutters. Leave one or two smaller windows exposed for light and air circulation.
Be prepared all year round
Homeownership can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be. The vipHome.app can help. In less than four minutes, enjoy a new way to manage your home. Simply download the app, register your home, and enjoy a simplified homeownership experience.
