The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season was the third consecutive above-average season with 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes which caused over $50.2 billion in damages.
In a release on May 23rd, NOAA predicts 4-8 hurricanes for the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season, half of these being major hurricanes. The ongoing El Nino is expected to persist and suppress the intensity of the hurricane season while warmer-than-average sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic favor increased hurricane activity.
Coastal residents are urged to take necessary precautions to prepare their homes, families and businesses far ahead of the storm.
STAY AHEAD OF THE STORM
WHAT YOUR FAMILY SHOULD DO NOW
Here are some basics to help you plan for a potential weather emergency. Please visit the Resources section of our website for more useful ideas!
- Know where to go if you must evacuate.
- Put together a disaster supply kit and have copies of critical documents.
- Have adequate supplies on hand should you lose power or water.
- Sign up for any text or email weather and emergency alerts that may be available in your area.
- Make a family emergency communication plan and review it with all family members.
HOME INSURANCE CHECK-UP
REVIEW YOUR POLICIES & COVERAGES
Make sure your property is adequately protected. Once a year, contact your agent to review your insurance policy. If you have made any recent purchases or renovated your property, you may need to adjust your coverage.
- Hurricanes bring heavy rains that may cause flooding. Keep in mind that flood insurance must be purchased separately from your homeowners policy and may require a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect. Check with your insurance agency now about adding flood coverage to your Centauri policy.
- Create a Home Inventory Checklist by simply writing everything down in a notebook. Go room-by-room and make note of your personal belongings. You’ll also want to write down the value for each item. If you have receipts, save those in your notebook too.
- Snap pics or take a video of your belongings for your Home Inventory. Save the footage on a computer, external hard drive or online storage database. Home inventory apps are also available to help with the process.
- Snap photos of important documents and save them in a secure place that can easily be accessed during an emergency. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3MfRpND5gk&feature=youtu.be
TIPS ON STRENGTHENING YOUR HOME:
- Bring in outdoor furniture & anything else that is not tied down to prevent injury/damage from debris.
- Trim trees & shrubs. High winds can turn branches into projectiles in a storm.
- Reduce property damage in the event of a hurricane by retrofitting (i.e., reinforcing) the roof, windows and doors.
- Prepare your property before a hurricane by installing storm shutters. Get more mitigation tips at: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk/hazard-mitigation-planning/best-practices
- You can act now to reduce potential property damage caused by floodwaters. Use flood damage resistant materials.
- When constructing a new home or upgrading an existing home, consider elevating the structure to better protect against floodwaters and/or storm surge.
MORE USEFUL LINKS:
Ready.gov: What to do Before, During and After a Hurricane
Ready.gov: Create an Emergency Communication Plan
Centauri: Disaster Preparedness – Are you ready?
Centauri: Home Inventory
Centauri: Flood Safety