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What You Should Know About Hurricane Preparedness and Safety
There are simple steps you can take to protect yourself before, during and after a hurricane, and you’ll better weather the storm if you take hurricane preparedness seriously.
Why Hurricane Preparedness Matters
A hurricane—even a minor one—can knock out power and water for days, damage your property, and cause flooding and tornados. Here are just a few reasons you shouldn’t ignore hurricane preparedness:
- Hurricanes produce heavy rain and flooding that can put your life and home at risk. Just an inch of water in your home can cause up to $10,000 dollars in damage, according to FEMA.
- Almost 60 percent of hurricane deaths are caused by flooding, according to the National Weather Service.
- Hurricanes can create tornadoes for several days after a storm passes. More than half of hurricanes produce at least one tornado, according to the National Weather Service.
- About five hurricanes strike the U.S. in an average three-year period, and two are typically major hurricanes with winds greater than 100 miles per hour.
If you’re still not convinced that hurricane preparedness matters, consider Hurricane Isabel. In 2003, this storm devastated the Washington, DC region. It left millions in our area without power and water for up to a week, produced flooding, resulted in more than $3 billion dollars in property damage, and caused 16 deaths.
Hurricane Safety Checklist
To get ready for the next storm, follow this hurricane safety checklist:
- Learn the difference between a hurricane watch and hurricane warning. (A watch means a hurricane is possible in the area. A warning is when a hurricane is expected.)
- Make an emergency plan, including where you would go if local authorities issue an evacuation order.
- Clean your home’s gutters and drains.
- Check your property insurance policy. Make sure that you have enough coverage to pay to repair or rebuild your home.
- Check to see if you live in a floodplain. Most homeowner’s policies don’t cover flood damage, but you can buy a separate policy from the National Flood Insurance Program.
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