Hurricane Preparedness

 

Hurricane Hilary strengthened to a Category 4 storm early Friday and is expected to weaken before reaching California. However, The National Weather Service warned the system was expected to bring “significant impacts” to the Southwest this weekend into early next week. Additionally, The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm watch for parts of Southern California.

While your insurance policy may provide coverage for wind-related events, unless you have purchased flood coverage under a separate policy, you need to take particular efforts to protect your property. Basic steps to take before you are in the path of a storm:

• Have an emergency plan in place
• Know where you plan to meet if separated
• Know where you plan to evacuate to in the event of a hurricane
• Clean your gutters and drains semi-annually to ensure water can flow freely
• Ensure your hurricane shutters are in good working condition
• Ensure you have sufficient amounts of supplies on hand

Checklist of ways to prepare if a storm is heading your way:

• Listen to local media, weather radio, or the Weather Channel to keep updated on storm events
• Bring inside or secure any outdoor items the wind could blow away (outdoor furniture, bicycles, flower pots, etc.)
• Close all windows and hurricane shutters (if you don’t have shutters, board the windows)
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting (except for those protecting stock that must be maintained within a strict temperature range)
• Unplug all unused appliances
• Fill your vehicle’s gas tank
• Fill your bathtub in case your water supply is disrupted
• Have cash on hand
• Refill prescription medications
• Gather your important documents, including insurance policies
• Tell family and friends your evacuation plans
• Refer to RedCross.org/Safe and Well or call 1-866-GETINFO for additional tips
• If you cannot move expensive and irreplaceable items out of the potential flood area, consider moving them to the highest level available
• Gather a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food items for yourself, infants, and pets
• Flashlight, camera, battery-operated radio, and extra batteries
• Rain gear and extra clothing
• First aid kit, insect repellent, and sunscreen
• Multi-purpose tool
• Cell phone and chargers

 

Helpful links:

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/; Weather Radio online: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/; National Weather Service: http://www.weather.gov/; Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/; Preparation Information: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

In the event your property suffers wind damage, contact Pharmacists Mutual at 800.247.5930