September 10th is the official peak of hurricane season. After a slow start to this year’s storm season, activity is picking up in the Atlantic with Hurricane Florence approaching the east coast, Tropical Storms Isaac and Helene churning further offshore, and a low-pressure blob strengthening in the Caribbean Sea.
In anticipation of potential adverse weather, we have put together a few tips to help your family P.R.E.P. for the remainder of hurricane season:
Protect.
- Secure your home by anchoring all outside items (or moving them inside) and elevating important items up and away from the floor.
- Check your window and door seals for cracks.
- Clear any debris in your landscape that could block drainage or cause damage.
Ready.
- Build an emergency kit, including items such as non-perishable foods, a manual can opener, bottled water, batteries, a first aid kit, a battery-powered flashlight and radio, and pet supplies.
- Place important documents, medication, and cash in a waterproof container for easy transport if evacuation is necessary.
- Keep your car’s gas tank half full, and fill it up with gas well in advance of any weather event.
Educate.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system and become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route, and shelter locations. A list of open shelters can be found during an active disaster in your local area by downloading the FEMA app.
- Understand the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning—a hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible while a warning means hurricane conditions are imminent.
Plan.
- Review your family’s emergency plan and have a backup location in mind should you need to evacuate.
- Download a weather app and monitor local news to stay updated on current weather conditions.
- Have a copy of your insurance policy and contact information at hand. Connect with your Senior Relationship Officer to ensure insurance premiums are paid to avoid a lapse in coverage and know your coverage and deductibles. Consider taking photographs or videos of the contents of your home or business, especially high-value items, to help support claims for any available insurance or tax benefits should a disaster strike.
In the case of flooding in your area during or after a storm, remember FEMA’s 3 Fast Flood Facts:
- Heavy rain can bring dangerous flash flooding
- Six (6) inches of moving water can knock a person down.
- Two (2) feet of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
It was just over one year ago that we here in Houston were hit by Hurricane Harvey. We very well understand the lasting damage that Mother Nature can cause. Know that as your advisors, Sentinel Trust is here to help your family navigate what do before, during, and after an adverse event.