We find ourselves in the first month and a half of hurricane season, Hurricane Beryl has already shown us the importance of being prepared. This year is slated to be an active one, so it’s Imperative to take steps now to protect our homes and families. Here are some general hurricane preparation tips tailored for upper-middle-class suburban homeowners.
1. Kit Up for Safety
- Prepare a survival kit with essentials like water, nonperishable food, and medications for everyone, including your pets.
- Include a portable radio, flashlights, batteries, and battery chargers for your cellphones and other portable electronic devices, which can be powered by your car.
2. Plan Your Getaway
- Plan your evacuation route and be ready to leave as soon as an evacuation order is issued.
- Fuel up your car before you leave to avoid any last-minute rushes.
3. Inventory Your Valuables
- Build a content inventory of the items in your home. This will be invaluable for insurance purposes if you need to make a claim after the storm.
-Use a Cell Phone video to inventory and store it in the cloud. Wine, Guns, Jewelry and any other Texas Collectibles.
Home insurance doesn't cover all specialty items - You might need a Jewelry or Collectors Policy.
4. Lock Down the Yard
- Secure all outdoor objects or move them inside.
- Close your home’s storm shutters and board up windows and glass doors as necessary to protect against flying debris.
5. Grill Safety First
- If possible, bring in gas or charcoal grills, but never use them indoors.
- Do not store propane tanks inside the house or garage. Chain propane tanks in an upright position to a secure object away from your home.
6. Bracing for Takeoff
- Flip over and Tie Down your Trampoline. So they don't turn in to UFOs
-If you have a boat, make sure it’s secured or moved to a safer place to avoid damage.
- ATV's Stored safely and securely in a shed or garage.
7. Generator Prep
- Fill your emergency generator fuel tank and keep plenty of spare fuel on hand.
- Store generator fuel in an approved container in a garage or shed, away from open flames, heat sources, and appliances like natural gas heaters.
- Have extra oil and read your manual to understand the maintenance needs of your generator.
- Learn the protocol for operating your generator and the necessary shutoff procedures.
Final Thoughts
Taking these steps now can make a significant difference when the next storm hits. Preparation is key to minimizing damage and ensuring the safety of your family. If you have any questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s stay prepared and keep our community safe.