Hurricane Safety: Is Your Family Ready Before the Storm Hits?

One hurricane can change everything in a matter of hours. Are you prepared?

When a hurricane approaches, every minute counts. Preparing before the storm arrives can help protect your family, your home, and your finances. Even if you don’t live directly on the coast, hurricanes can bring heavy rain, flooding, damaging winds, and prolonged power outages that affect communities far inland.

A little preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow.

Build Your Emergency Kit

Have an emergency kit ready before hurricane season begins. Include enough supplies to last at least three days, such as:

• Bottled water (one gallon per person, per day)
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Portable phone chargers and power banks
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Important documents stored in a waterproof container
• Cash in small bills
• Pet food and supplies, if needed

Protect Your Home Before the Storm

Taking preventive measures can reduce storm damage and improve your home’s safety.

• Secure or bring in outdoor furniture and decorations.
• Trim trees and remove dead branches.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Check your roof for loose or damaged shingles.
• Install storm shutters or board up windows if recommended.
• Park vehicles in a garage or away from large trees.

Know Your Evacuation Plan

If local officials issue an evacuation order, leave immediately.

Before hurricane season:

• Identify multiple evacuation routes.
• Know where local shelters are located.
• Plan for pets, as not all shelters accept animals.
• Share your emergency plan with family members.

Stay Informed

Monitor weather updates through trusted sources and emergency alerts.

Keep your phone charged and have a battery-powered radio available in case you lose electricity or internet service.

Protect Your Important Documents

Store copies of important documents in a waterproof, portable container or secure digital storage.

Include:

• Insurance policies
• Driver’s licenses
• Passports
• Medical records
• Home inventory with photos or videos
• Financial documents

Having these documents readily available can make the claims process much easier after a storm.

Review Your Insurance Coverage Before Hurricane Season

Many homeowners don’t realize their insurance may not cover every type of hurricane-related damage.

Before a storm arrives, review your policies to understand:

• Your homeowners insurance coverage
• Windstorm deductibles
• Flood insurance protection (if applicable)
• Personal property limits

• Additional living expense coverage if your home becomes uninhabitable

Knowing what’s covered before disaster strikes can help you avoid costly surprises afterward.

After the Storm

Once it’s safe to return:

• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Avoid driving through flooded roads.
• Document any property damage with photos and videos.
• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent additional damage if it is safe to do so.

Prepare Today for Greater Peace of Mind

Hurricanes are unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. Creating an emergency plan, protecting your home, and reviewing your insurance coverage now can help your family recover more quickly if severe weather strikes.

Don’t wait until a storm is in the forecast.

Call Klinger Insurance Group today at 301-428-4935 to review your homeowners, flood, and windstorm insurance coverage. Our experienced team can help you understand your protection and make sure you’re prepared before the next hurricane arrives.