The Ultimate Hurricane Preparation Checklist

Download printer-friendly checklist here.

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Before a Hurricane Hits

Plug into the community emergency alert systems that send out storm warnings and safety information for your area.

Put together an evacuation plan for your family about where to go and who to contact in case of a natural disaster. Review evacuation plan with family members regularly.

Build a disaster supply kit with enough non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, and cash to last at least a week.

Create (or update) a home inventory in case of damage during catastrophic weather events. You can also use I.I.I.’s Know Your Stuff app to get started.

Update your insurance to make sure you can renovate or rebuild your home if you live in a high-risk area.

Remove any dead or vulnerable trees from your property; bring in outside furniture or loose items that could easily be picked up by a storm.

Buy plywood or aluminum panels to board up windows and doors to protect against high winds and flying debris.

Fill up your car with a full tank of gas.

Make sure your phone is fully charged in case of power outages.

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During a Hurricane

Stay away from windows during the storm.

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After a Hurricane Hits

Do not leave your location until authorities announce it is safe.

Do not drive or walk through flooded areas.

Do not drink or use tap water until you know it has not been contaminated.

Immediately photograph any damage to your property.

Restock disaster supplies kit.

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Don’t wait until a hurricane or other natural disaster is in the forecast to get flood insurance on your home; most flood insurance policies require a 30 day waiting period before the coverage is effective. The GEICO Insurance Agency can help you obtain a policy online or over the phone.

Keep reading: 7 Questions to Ask After a Natural Disaster

Sources:
https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
https://knowyourstuff.org/
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/hurricane/resources/hurricane_safety.pdf