Hurricane, thunderstorm and flash flood season is upon us. Here’s a quick list to help you prepare for impending storms.
First and foremost, stay safe, adhere to all weather warnings and ensure proper use of safety equipment and other gear.
Reminder that homeowners insurance policies do NOT cover flood insurance. Flood insurance is available to homeowners through the National Flood Insurance Program and through private insurers. Check with a local insurance agent about proper coverage. Note: Some homeowners & flood policies can take 30 days to go into effect, so don’t wait until there’s a storm on the horizon. You can also learn more by reading our post, Prepare your Home for Flooding.
Get a certified property inspection now to identify issues that could become problematic as a result of high winds and flooding. Pre-storm inspections document the condition of your property prior to a storm, and could help eliminate insurance disputes over claim settlements. They also enable you to be proactive in addressing pre-existing conditions.
Ensure your generator is in good working order and have a plan to fill gas cans before inclement weather approaches.
Prepare for power loss by stocking up on items such as flashlights, batteries, charcoal and propane. Ensure you have a working grill/burner as well as coolers available. We all know these items can be difficult to source right before a storm, so pick them up before the rush.
Have a couple days’ worth of canned goods, non-perishables and water on hand. Again, it’s easier to stockpile these now while there’s no threat of a major weather event.
Keep sand bags handy for the season – especially those neighborhoods that are more prone to flooding. If you have hurricane shutters, make sure they are in good working order. If you use plywood to cover windows, take inventory to ensure you have enough wood and fasteners to cover all windows and doors.
Trim trees and eliminate loose limbs. Hire a tree service to take care of branches out of reach. Pro tip: there may NOT be a tree service available to take care of your trees right before a storm. Be proactive and schedule an arborist as soon as possible to assess the health of your trees as well as identify and mitigate potential issues.
Once a storm is approaching, secure yard furniture, plants and other loose items in your yard (or move them inside).
Also, move cars, boats and other vehicles to a protected area. Make sure they are properly secure, chained or locked.
Last but definitely not least… help yourself, your family and then your community!
For questions about any of the items above or to schedule a pre-storm inspection, please call KC Inspections at 904-404-9092 to speak to one of our knowledgeable and experienced certified inspectors.