Hurricane safety action guide

Hurricanes can pack a powerful punch, but a little advanced planning can help you mitigate some of the more costly damage. We've pulled together some helpful tips in this Hurricane Safety Action Guide for what to do to stay safe before, during and after a hurricane. 

With a little planning, be prepared for the next powerful storm.

Before:

• Heed watches, warnings and evacuations. If you are ordered to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Prepare an emergency kit in the event you have to leave your home. Make sure all of your family members have a contingency plan in case you are separated from one another.

During:

• If you live in a mobile home or in a high-rise building, leave immediately. Hurricane-force winds are very dangerous because they can cause serious damage to both kinds of structures.
• Fill bathtubs and other large containers with water to ensure a safe water supply in the event you do not have access to it.
• Stay close to the TV or radio for informational updates about the storm and follow emergency orders closely. If advised, turn off any propane tanks and any other utilities.
• Stay inside and away from any windows and doors – a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level is the safest option.

After:

• Stay informed about further weather updates, especially precipitation, which can cause flooding.
• If you require a generator, do not run it from inside your home or an enclosed space as carbon monoxide can accumulate dangerously.
• Keep an eye out for downed electrical lines. If you see any, report them right away.
• Drive only if necessary. Stay away from flooded thoroughfares and washed out bridges.
• If you become separated from your family members, contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross to register with their respective databases.
• We’re ready to help if your home has been damaged by a hurricane. Call us for claim assistance.