Hurricane season officially starts in June, which means there are a few months to get ready for these major storms. However, the summer is approaching quickly, and it is better to get prepared ahead of time to maximize your chances of getting through hurricane season safely. Here are just a few tips you can follow to prepare you home ahead of time for when hurricane season comes:
- Make sure your home has medicine and supplies
- When a hurricane hits, it is already too late to go out and make sure you have enough food, water, and medicine. You should make sure to stock up on canned goods and other non-perishables, as well as bottled water and basic medical supplies for a first aid kit. You should also make sure you have a functioning flashlight, as well as a radio to listen in for potential updates in the event you lose power.
- Check for potential leaks
- Leaks are always an inconvenience, even at the best of times, but during a hurricane a small leak can turn into a major disaster. Not only can it leak water into your house, but the water can damage your roof, causing the problem to get worse. Sealing up these leaks before hurricane season hits is the best way to prevent avoidable flooding in your home.
- Trim your trees and shrubs
- You may value the beauty of your landscaping greatly, but unfortunately trees and shrubs can become a serious problem when a major storm hits. Branches can break off and become deadly projectiles, while trees themselves can fall onto your home, causing major damage and risking your family’s lives. Keeping your trees and shrubs properly trimmed can avoid some of this harm, minimizing the danger you will face during hurricane season.
- Clean your gutters
- Gutters are essential for preventing buildup of water on your roof, directing it away from your home to prevent flooding. However, gutters can easily get clogged with leaves, dirt, and other detritus, causing water to back up into your home. Cleaning your gutters before hurricane season can prevent this kind of scenario, or at least minimize the damage that a major storm may cause.
- Make sure your insurance covers storm and flood damage
- Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to fully prevent the risk of damage to your home from a hurricane. However, you should at least make sure that any damage your home suffers will be covered by your insurance. If your policy does not cover storm or flood damage, you may need to get an additional insurance policy to cover it, or else get stuck paying for the costs of repairing your home out of pocket.
Anytime your home or other dwelling has been ruined or severely damaged, it is essential that you protect your property and the interest of your investment by enlisting the services of a Rubin and Rosen public adjuster. We can provide the assistance you need by helping you to work through the entire insurance process. If you want to make a property insurance claim and need assistance to obtain fair compensation for your losses, please give us a call at 718-376-6800 or visit our contact page.