Hurricane Season: Getting You Through to Recovery

Hurricane Season: Getting You Through to Recovery

Hurricane season is upon us yet again, and the urgency to be prepared prior to these major weather events couldn't be more important. The damage that comes from the winds, storm surge, and flooding is disasterous, and often these storms spawn tornados that can wreck even more damage upon communities, businesses, and people's lives.

Hurricane Preparation and Recovery Checklist

Check out the checklist below for tips on preparing before the storm and steps to take to get you through recovery. We want to always ensure you are prepared for whatever a hurricane brings, and remember, the Covered team is here for you when the storm passes and recovery can begin.

The Storm is Approaching

• Stay Inside
• Protect windows and doors with permanent storm shutters or plywood
• Keep local radio, NOAA radio or TV stations on for new information
• Download the Red Cross emergency app
• Keep a hurricane lamp
• Make sure all pets have identification tags
• Store all lawn furniture, trash cans, toys, and gardening tools inside to prevent them from getting blown away
• Find local emergency shelters
• Fill plastic bottles with drinking water
• Fill bathtubs with water - water can be used for flushing toilets, washing dishes, or boiling for drinking water
• Fill your automobile’s gas tank
• Unplug small devices and turn off propane tanks
• Have fire extinguishers ready for use
• Have a go-to pack ready and learn evacuation routes in your area
• Ensure your home inventory is safe and ready to use in assessment after the storm if damage occurs to your home or property

Have On-hand as Storm Approaches

• First aid kit and instructions
• Fire extinguishers
• Extra batteries
• Sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows
• Cooking and eating utensils
• Week-long supply of prescription medications
• Paper plates, cups, and towels
• Non-perishable/canned foods
• Jumper cables
• Maps
• Roadside emergency kit
• GPS
• Cell phone and chargers
• Cash
• Toilet paper
• Disinfectant
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Plastic garbage bags
• Household bleach
• Feminine supplies
• Soap
• Wet wipes
• Rain gear
• Sturdy shoes

Following the Storm’s Arrival

• Let friends and loved ones know you are safe. You can mark yourself safe on social media or use the Safe & Well website
• Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance
• Stay on alert for tornados, as hurricanes often spawn them

Recovery after the Storm

• If your home suffered damage, call your Insurance Advisor
• Take photos of any damage to your home and prepare to submit for your insurance claim
• Save damaged property or lost items - refer to your home inventory for value, receipts of purchase, etc.
• Prevent mold by removing wet contents immediately
• Continue to listen to the authorities on any emergency orders following the storm

Keep in Mind for Your Safety

• If you evacuated, return only once authorities let you know it’s safe to do so
• Avoid contact with floodwaters. It may contaminated with sewage or contain dangerous insects or animals
• Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through floodwaters
• Look out for downed or unstable trees, poles, and power lines
• Do not drink tap water unless authorities say it is safe
• Boil water for drinking and food prep until you are told water is safe to uses (refer to the reason for filling up the bathtub before the storm)
• If you come into contact with floodwater, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water as soon as possible
• If you are returning to your home following the hurricane, check for structural damage before entering your home to avoid being trapped in a building collapse

Important Disaster Resources

If you and your family are impacted by severe weather disasters, here are a few important resources you can contact for help and information.

DisasterAssistance.gov - provides disaster survivors with information, support, services, and access to apply for disaster assistance.

FEMA - The Federal Emergency Management Assoication assists with disaster relief including natural or manmade, and organizes first response efforts.

American Red Cross - provides relief during and after a disaster takes place including help with overnight stays in shelters, food and water, and much more.

The Salvation Army - assists families after a disaster on their most urgent needs for food, clothing, shelter, and medical services.

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) - shares knowledge and resources throughout the disaster cycle.

Ready - Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) instructs volunteers about disaster preparedness for the dangers impacting communities.

The Humane Society of the United States - provides animal assistance during disaster relief for animals caught in a storm or needing emergency assistance.

U.S. Food & Drug Adminstration - helps safeguard families' health during a disaster, and provides how to prevent illnesses during and after a storm.

National Hurricane Center - helps in hurricane preparedness and works to keep you informed of the forecast.

With us, you're always Covered!

Once the storm passes, should you need anything at all, give the team a call at 833-487-2683 or contact us and we can help guide you through the process in getting back to normalcy.