Preparation is the best way to protect your home and loved ones against the dangers of a hurricane.
Use the following checklist to prepare for a hurricane.
- Shut off electrical service at the main breaker.
- Sign up for your community’s emergency alert warning system. Listen for emergency information and alerts.
- Become familiar with your hurricane evacuation zone, evacuation route and shelter locations.
- Gather and/or restock your emergency survival kit supplies, including the following:
- One gallon of water per person per day (three-day supply for an evacuation, two-week supply for home)
- Nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food (three-day supply for an evacuation, two-week supply for home)
- A flashlight
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, such as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio
- Extra batteries
- A first-aid kit
- Medications (seven-day supply) and medical items such as hearing aids, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.
- A multipurpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Critical documents, sealed in a waterproof container (Keep important documents you won’t need in an emergency off site.)
- A cellphone and charger
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- An emergency blanket that’s waterproof, windproof, easily packable and shred-resistant
- A map of the area
- An extra set of car and house keys
- Baby and pet supplies (if applicable)
- A manual can opener
- Review your insurance policies. Do you have flood insurance?
- Make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Keep the gas tank full. Stock emergency supplies and a change of clothes in the trunk.
- Make plans for your pets.
- Protect your property. Consider hurricane shutters, plywood, sandbags, a generator and water pumps. Cover all of your home’s windows.
- Cut weak tree branches and any branches that could break off in high winds and cause property damage.
- Bring in any loose items that could blow around, including garbage cans, lawn furniture and planters.
- Move all appliances onto masonry blocks or concrete.
- Move furniture and electronic devices off the floor.
- Remove area rugs from floors so they won’t get wet and grow mold or mildew.
- If you have an emergency generator, fill the fuel tank. Store extra fuel away from heat sources and open flames.
- Seal exterior gaps, holes or cracks.
- Close interior doors, windows and exterior doors. Closing interior doors keeps high winds from whipping around your home and putting extra pressure on your roof.
- Charge your cellphone so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.
For more information
If you have questions about your coverage in the event of a hurricane or other event, don’t hesitate to reach out to our personal insurance team, or directly to your advisor.
This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.
Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.
Written content in blog post: Copyright © 2023 Applied Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.