Hurricane season for the Atlantic and Caribbean is June 1 to November 30, with peak season mid-August to late October. Regardless of the calendar, now is a great time to determine what you can do to be better prepared if a storm heads your way.
Even if you've been through a hurricane before, it is easy to forget some of the steps you can take to protect your family and property. Taking the right precautions before a storm has the potential to save lives, time and money.
Are you ready? Review these questions to see if you are ready for a hurricane. It's time to take action if you answer "No" or "I don't know" to any of these questions.
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Do you have a disaster plan? If not, visit Ready.gov or redcross.org (Spanish version) to download an editable family disaster plan template.
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Have you planned multiple evacuation routes and destinations?
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Do you have an emergency communication plan for staying in touch or getting messages to family and friends?
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Is your homeowner's and flood insurance up-to-date and sufficient to replace your home and belongings if they are damaged or destroyed?
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Do you have an inventory of your property and belongings? The Insurance Information Institute has online inventory software and secure online storage. Visit Know Your Stuff.org
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Do you have copies of your insurance policies, household inventory and other important papers, as well as other valuables, in a safe place -- one that's waterproof and fireproof? Which papers to keep in your safe.
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Do you know how to turn off your utilities (electricity, gas and water)?
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Do you have a plan and supplies on hand to protect and secure your home and outdoor items (and your boat and pool, if you have them)?
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Do you have disaster supplies such as batteries, a battery-operated radio, flashlights, lanterns, fuel, nonperishable food for three days, water/water jugs, manual can opener, medicines, traveler's checks or cash, and other necessary items on hand?
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Do you have an emergency supply kit for your car? If the weather has turned cold, you will need additional items.
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Do you have a plan of how to take care of family members with special needs (those with disabilities, infants or the elderly) in the event of a disaster?
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Have you decided what you will do with your animals if you must evacuate?
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Have you budgeted for the added expenses to protect your home, buy supplies, evacuate, clean up and recover?
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Have you discussed your emergency plans, duties and rules with your family?
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Do you know eXtension offers free information on cleanup and recovery? Be sure to also check your state's Cooperative Extension Service website for disaster cleanup and recovery.
