The first step in preparing for a hurricane is to have a plan. Having what you need and knowing what to do can minimize damage and its impact on your life. Making a plan should involve every member of your family, including the children. When a disaster occurs, emotions run high. Having a well thought out plan will help you and your family members remain calm and in control.

Before The Storm

• Homeowners should review their insurance policies with their agents. Most standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, and some policies in coastal areas may not cover windstorm damage. Please be aware that there is a 30 day waiting period for flood coverage.  Also, remember that you will be unable to upgrade your coverage once a storm is approaching.
• Make a list of your belongings and take pictures or videotape them. Don’t forget to inventory the garage, attic, basement and the exterior of your house, including landscaping and fencing. Include a close-up shot of the day's newspaper to provide the date. Keep your inventory list along with purchase receipts, pictures and your insurance policy in a safe-deposit box or other safe place away from your home.  You can also take a home inventory by using the Insurance Information Institute's free software.  This software will help you create a room-by-room inventory of your personal possessions. Having an up-to-date home inventory will help you:
  • Purchase enough insurance to replace the things you own.
  • Get your insurance claims settled faster.
  • Substantiate losses for your income tax return. ·         You can always simply make a list in a notebook and save receipts and photos in a file. This software, however, should make this task fun and simple. More importantly, with the click of your mouse, you can update this list as you buy or eliminate personal possessions. To get started go to www.knowyourstuff.org and download their free software!
•  If you have a boat, plan ahead where you will put it in case of a weather emergency.
• Make advance arrangements for pets. Emergency shelters and most hotels/motels cannot allow pets. Ask your vet about suggestions on where to shelter your pet during a hurricane event. 
• Plan for evacuation. Familiarize yourself with the evacuation route and the location of shelters in your area.
• If you own a generator, be sure it is well maintained and familiarize yourself and the members of your family with how to operate it safely.
• Identify an emergency contact person that is out of range of the storm. Be sure everyone in your family knows how to contact this person in case of an emergency and you are separated.
• Your family will cope best by preparing for a hurricane before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Hurricane Supplies Kit . Once a storm is imminent, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies if they are even available. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.

When A Storm Is Approaching

• Check your supplies and update if necessary.
• Many services such as phone or electricity may not be available after the storm. Prepare for this. Be sure your cell phone is fully charged and even if you plan to stay, fill your vehicles with gasoline in case you are forced to evacuate.
• Be sure to have cash on hand to last for several days as the banks may be closed and the ATM’s require electricity to be operational. 
• Keep a photo ID that shows your home address.
• Take action to protect your property - cover your windows with storm shutters, siding or plywood.
• Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent lifting from their tracks
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
• Move vehicles into garages when possible, or park them near your home and away from trees. Grills, patio furniture and potted plants should be moved into the house or garage.
• Loose objects in your yard can become missiles, so tie down anything you can not bring indoors.

• Check on neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons and children.

• If you are told to evacuate:
  • Take your disaster supplies kit.
  • Lock the windows and doors of your home.
  • Turn off all utilities.
  • Call your emergency contact person and report your plans.

During the storm

• If you are not told to evacuate, settle in and stay put. Keep the roads free for those who need to use them. Have your disaster kit near you in case you are forced to evacuate your home.
• If you are not susceptible to storm surge, go to an interior room on the lowest floor to protect yourself from wind-related damage.
• Stay away from telephones, electrical outlets and water pipes, all of which can conduct lightning.
• Stay tuned to your local TV or radio station.
• Do not go outside in the brief calm during the eye of the storm. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
• If power goes off, turn off major appliances to avoid a surge when electricity is restored.
• Turn off electricity if flooding begins.
• Stay indoors until you hear that the storm has cleared the area and conditions are safe.
• If you are advised to evacuate, do so.
• Before you leave, turn off gas, water and electricity. Lock the door.
• Take care of your pet. Public shelters may not take them. Call ahead to find out. If you have to leave pets behind, secure them in an interior room with plenty of food and water. 
• Do not travel farther than necessary.
• Return home only after authorities say it is safe to do so.

After the Storm

• Listen to your battery-powered radio for news and instructions.
• Walk or drive cautiously. Watch out for debris-filled streets and weakened bridges.
• Beware of loose or downed power lines and report them immediately.
• Check your home for damage. Use flashlights.
• Do not turn on electrical switches until you are sure they are safe to use.
• Check for gas leaks, starting at the hot water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows and get everyone outside quickly. Turn off all appliances and shut off utilities.
• Check for sewage and water damage.
• Avoid using toilets until sewer repairs are made.
• Do not drink the water until authorities say it is safe.
• Check for fires, fire hazards or household hazards. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids immediately and safely.
• Check on neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons and children.
• Beware of unscrupulous contractors who may show up.
• If you have property damage, contact your insurance agent or report directly to your insurance carrier’s 800 claim number.
• Make a list of your personal property that has been damaged or destroyed. Take pictures of the damaged property.
• Protect your property from further damage. Your reasonable expenses to protect your property are part of the loss and are generally reimbursed by insurance companies. Keep all receipts.
• Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs.
• If necessary, rent temporary shelter. If your home is uninhabitable, most homeowners policies pay additional living expenses while your property is being repaired. Before renting temporary shelter, check with your insurance company or agent to determine what expenses will be reimbursed.
• WHEN CONTACTED BY AN ADJUSTER, BE SURE TO WRITE DOWN HIS NAME AND TELEPHONE NUMBER.