Keep your gas tank ½ full during hurricane season to avoid the long lines at gas stations and gas shortages during a storm and evacuation
Evacuation doesn’t always mean leaving the area, consider staying with friends or family living nearby but outside the evacuation zone
Consider purchasing flood insurance, even if not in a mandated flood zone, homeowners policies do not cover flooding. Flooding can occur due to heavy rain, storm surge and overwhelmed drainage systems and does not only occur in mandated flood zones
Before any mitigation immediately following a disaster, take detailed video, photos and notes of damage. If you have to remove items, do not discard until an insurance field adjuster provides an inspection.
SHELTERING IN PLACE:
According to the analysis, 33% of all deaths attributable to hurricanes were caused by wind
- Stay Inside- include disaster kits, supplies and pets
- Stay Safe- stay away from windows, skylights and exterior doors
- Stay in Place- do not attempt to leave home until officials make the assessment of safety
- Lock doors, close windows, air vents and fireplace dampers
- Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air systems
- Be prepared to improvise, local authorities may not have much information in the immediate aftermath of the disaster