How to Prepare for Hurricane Season


When Does Hurricane Season Start?

For the U.S., in the Atlantic region, the hurricane season lasts from early June to the end of November. Hurricanes are some of the most devastating and costly natural disasters. Therefore, it’s essential to prepare your home and family before a hurricane strikes. We’ve got some fundamentals that will help protect your property and keep you and your loved ones safe and secure.

Prepare Your Yard and Home For A Hurricane

  • Know where your water, electric, and gas shut-offs are.
  • Brace doors or windows, including your garage door, which is likely to blow out in a storm.
  • Consider turning your Refrigerator and Freezer to the coldest setting; this will keep your food colder longer if you lose power. Or, have a cooler with plenty of ice ready that you can transfer food to if needed
  • Hurricane wind speed can range from 74 – 156+ mph. It’s essential to store or bring in outdoor lawn furniture, tools, toys, or anything else that the wind could pick up. Make sure to securely anchor items that can’t be moved.

Have A Way To Communicate

Whether you are a family of one or six, you have family members and friends in other places that will worry. Remember to communicate with them (when appropriate) that you are safe.

Make An Emergency Supply Kit Before Hurricane Season

Part of hurricane preparedness means having an emergency kit. An emergency kit is a collection of essential things you and your family may need in the event of an emergency. Have your kit ready ahead of an emergency, and be sure to rotate items as needed and remove or add items as your family changes. You may also consider updating your emergency kit with hand sanitizer and face masks.

Stay Up To Date

Pay attention to emergency alerts, follow your local news, know where emergency shelters are and know your evacuation route if needed. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hurricane Center is another great resource that tracks hurricanes and tropical storms.

Know How To File A Claim

Be sure you have your policy numbers handy in case you need to file a claim. You can file a claim on our website at bankersinsurance.com or call 727.308.0496. Rapid response to water damage is critical to protecting your home. If you should need emergency water mitigation, contact one of our preferred vendors. Rytech: Emergency Line 800.868.8787 or ADS Emergency Line 888.898.0699.

We’ve Got You

These are just a few ways you can prepare for a hurricane. We have a free hurricane survival guide with more tips on preparing for a hurricane, what to do after, and a preparation checklist that will help provide peace of mind when it matters.