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It’s that time of year again in Florida… hurricane season. As such, it is very important to take all the necessary precautions to be prepared for a storm. This will help to lessen the stress of trying to scramble for supplies at the last minute, help to protect you and your family, and also to help minimize the potential damages sustained. Here are some essential prep tips to make sure you are ready for a storm if one hits:

Have a Well-Planned Evacuation Route
You may have to evacuate if there’s a major storm and you live in a coastal area or in a mobile home. If that time comes, you will receive instructions from the respective authorities. But it is always a good option to have an own evacuation plan prepared prior to the evacuation. With such approach, you will be the first to know nearest shelters.

Also, if you have pets, make sure to include, as part of your plan, what you will do with your pets in the event of an evacuation. Not all shelters allow pets.

Have Some Essential Supplies
Once a hurricane warning is issued, many individuals run here and there collecting essential supplies. This can be a really frustrating when you are in hurry and the hurricane is approaching. Also, waiting until the last minute could leave you without adequate supplies. So, be smart and have at least the following essentials ready beforehand:

• Batteries
• Lamps with fuel and candles
• Matches, possibly placed in a water-tight container
• Emergency home repair tools and materials
• Prescribed medication for you and your family members
• Drinking water for a minimum of 3 days – at least 5 gallons of water per person
• Clean Containers for water
• Supplies to keep your water safe (iodine tablets or chlorine bleach)
• Ready-to-eat food
• A first aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Weather radio (NOAA)
• A flashlight
• Pet food if you have pets
• Enough baby food or formula (if needed.)
• Sleeping bags or extra blankets;
• Hand sanitizer
• Baby wipes

Have An Inventory Prepared
Make sure that you prepare an inventory of the items that belong to you. This is exceptionally helpful to process the claims faster. Also, it becomes handy to substantiate the losses. Have this inventory prepared and keep it in your important documents folder.

Get The Insurance Policies Reviewed
Go through your insurance policy or policies and have them reviewed at your earliest in order to avoid potential disputes. Although your home insurance policy covers the cost of repairs occurred by hurricane damage, additional living expenses etc., it doesn’t cover flood damage. Therefore, make sure that you obtain flood insurance coverage as well.

Take Necessary Actions For Home Protection
Assuring the safety of your home is also a crucial aspect of hurricane preparation.

Here Are Some Important Precautionary Methods to Use Before The Hurricane Hits Your Area.

Get rid of weak branches and trees so they don’t fall on the roof.
Get storm shutters installed to prevent window breakages.
Get the exterior doors protected from hurricanes (have hinges and deadbolt locks installed).
Cover sliding glass doors with shutters (or plywood).
Replace the garage doors if they are old; use a garage lock or brace if you have one.
Seal vents, outdoor electrical outlets and other wall openings.
When it comes to mobile homes, secure its location and make sure that it can withstand high winds. Also, be sure to review the insurance policy of your mobile;
Make sure to bring in furniture and other objects in your yard that could become airborne in the storm.