Prepare Your Home for Hurricanes & Tropical Storms

01 Oct Prepare Your Home for Hurricanes & Tropical Storms

Hurricane Season (as well as Tropical Storm season) lasts from June to November in Connecticut, peaking from mid-August to late October. As with any natural disaster, being prepared ahead of time is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your home!

Preparing Your Home:

1. High winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so before hurricane season trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
2. Food Prep
   • Always have 2 weeks’ worth of non-perishable supplies on hand at all times, not just before a hurricane! Consider:
     • Trail Mix & Nuts
     • Peanut Butter
     • Dried Fruit
     • Granola
     • Canned Vegetables, Fruits, and Meals
     • Rice
     • Dry Pasta and Sauces
     • Bottled Water & Sports Drinks
     • Canned Fish
     • Crackers
     • Cereal
     • Multivitamins
3. Fill Up Ahead of Time
   • Fill your car with gas.
   • If you have a gas-powered generator, make sure you have gas on hand.
   • If you have a propane grill, fill up two tanks ahead of time in case you lose power.
4. Cash is King
   • Have some cash on hand in case you can’t use your cards
5. Cool Down
   • Set your refrigerator and freezer to their highest settings.
   • If it’s hot weather, you may want to turn your AC down ahead of time to keep your home cooler longer.
6. Check Gutters & Spouts
   1. Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts, and clear any clogged areas to prevent water damage to your property.
7. Lock & Seal
   • Close and lock all windows and doors, including the garage doors.
   • Also, check the seals around your windows and doors. Recaulk the seals if they need it.
   • Reinforce your garage door
     • Garage doors are often blown in during heavy winds, but they can be reinforced by installing a vertical garage door brace and horizontal wooden beams.
8. Have a Generator as a Backup
   • If you can, purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages.
   • Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture
   • NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.
   • Remember to purchase gas ahead of time if your generator is going to need it.
9. Inventory
   • Every year, you should take an inventory of your property.
   • Tally your possessions each year.
   • Take photos of valuables.
   • Call your agent to discuss what items are included in your policies and what items you may need additional coverage for.
10. Clear the Yard
    • Your grill, lawn furniture, garden gnomes, birdbaths, etc. should be stored inside or secured to the ground.
11. In the Basement
    • Avoid keeping valuables in your basement. Instead, store any valuables in waterproof containers on the upper level.
    • Check your sump pump.
12. The Getaway Plan
    • Hopefully, you won’t have to evacuate your home, but if local officials are recommending it, please follow their lead and evacuate to a safe place.
    • Have important documents in a large zip-locked plastic bag to keep them safe.
    • Charge and update any GPS system you plan to use.
    • Have a safety kit ready in your car.
    • Keep a phone charger in your car in case you need it.
    • Look up and print directions for your evacuation route.
    • Make a list of what you need to bring/what you’ll need to do before you leave.
      • Pack what you can ahead of time just in case.
13. Insure Your Home Before the Storm!
    • Print out your insurance coverage documents so you can refer back to them easily.
    • Flood Policies:
      • Yes, you can purchase a flood policy if you live outside of a flood zone.
      • No, your homeowner’s will not cover flood damages. You need a separate flood policy.
      • Purchase a flood policy sooner rather than later. Your coverage will not apply until 30 days after purchase.
      • Learn more about flood policies by clicking here!
      • It’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains, and other wet weather conditions that impact us, call SAVA to make sure you are covered!

Call us at 860-437-7282 to see if your insurance currently covers you for hurricane damages!