Hurricane Season: Prepare and Recover

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Know when to take action, and always have a plan!

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Hurricane season is upon us! June 1^st kicks off the season, and even though it only seemed like we just started experiencing favorable weather, Preferred Mutual encourages you to focus on preparedness, planning and recovery in the event of a hurricane.

Believe it or not, hurricane season is here, and those ferocious storm systems can cause widespread devastation during and after it occurs. Forming over ocean water and often moving fast toward land, they threaten our summers with high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and even tornadoes.

These effects can injure or kill people, disrupts all sorts of things like transportation and communication, and can pollute your drinking water! Be better prepared for this hurricane season by following Preferred Mutual’s guide to Prepare, Survive, Be Safe.

Now/Prepare

• Sign up for all local alerts and warnings, and monitor your local news and weather reports.
• Prepare to evacuate by testing your emergency communication plan(s), especially your immediate family plan, learning evacuation routes, having a place to stay, and having a bag already packed to grab quickly.
• Stock emergency supplies. This should include 3 days of drinking water per person, as well as non-perishable food items, batteries and flashlight, cell phone chargers, and a radio to keep yourself up to date on the storm.
• Protect your property by installing sewer backflow valves, anchoring fuel tanks, putting patio furniture and other items away, and catalog belongings. Make sure you review your homeowners’ insurance policy with your Preferred Mutual agent.
• Collect and safeguard critical financial, medical, educational, and legal documents and records.

During/Survive

• Follow guidance from local authorities.
• If advised to evacuate, grab your packed bag and leave immediately.
• For protection from high winds, stay away from windows and seek shelter on the lowest level in an interior room.
• Move to higher ground if there is flooding or a flood warning.
• Turn Around, Don’t Drown ® Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through water.
• Call 9-1-1 if you are in life-threatening danger.

After/Be Safe

• Return to the area only after authorities say it is safe to do so. Do not enter damaged buildings until they are inspected by qualified professionals.
• Look out for still flooded areas, downed or unstable trees, poles, and powerlines.
• Do not remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear gloves and sturdy, thick-soled shoes to protect your hands and feet from electrical current in the water.
• Do not drink the tap water unless authorities have deemed it safe.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issues alerts when weather conditions make hurricanes more likely. Smart phones also push emergency service messages through, even when you put your phone on “Do not disturb.” Know when to take action, and always have a plan! Check out FEMA for more information on how you and your family can prepare for hurricane season.

This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice and/or an authoritative guide.