Checklist: Have a Hurricane Plan Ahead of the Storm

Residents of coastal areas should have a plan for hurricane season.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30 each year. Review the below information and make a plan to protect your family and property before the season begins. As an additional resource, you can save and print this checklist to have on hand for future reference.

Before Hurricane Season Preparation

• Trim trees of weak branches that could come off and cause damage.
• Update your emergency supply kit.
• Stock up on battery powered flashlights, a radio and extra batteries. Avoid using candles, especially around children and pets.
• Consider purchasing a portable generator to keep essentials like the refrigerator, some lights and air conditioning running should power go out or if someone in the household is on oxygen or other electrical powered medical equipment.
• Review your disaster plan with your family. If you don’t have one, make one.
• Talk with neighbors about preparation plans and plans to help each other.
• Add your agent's contact information and your carrier's direct contact number in your phone for easy access should you need to file a claim.
  • Cincinnati insureds can call 877-242-2544, anytime day or night, or use the MyCincinnati^SM app.

Hurricane Watch vs. Hurricane Warning

The National Hurricane Center monitors tropical storm activity as it develops, issuing a hurricane watch or warning as necessary. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible in a specified area and is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds in an area. A hurricane warning indicates that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the specified area.

Hurricane Watch Preparation

In the event of a hurricane watch:

• Listen for weather updates on local stations and on NOAA Weather Radio.
• Gather important papers – insurance, titles, deeds, birth certificates, prescriptions – along with any valuable or irreplaceable objects, like family photos and memorabilia.
• Place items that you cannot evacuate in watertight containers or seal them in plastic bags.
• Refill prescriptions and obtain at least a two-week supply of baby food, diapers and sanitary needs.
• Keep non-perishables on hand and make a trip to the grocery store when a storm is headed your way but still far enough away to travel safely. Don't forget to purchase additional pet food.
• Have plenty of bottled water available.
• Clear your yard of anything not tied down such as lawn furniture, potted plants, bicycles, trash cans, barbeques and propane tanks.
• Cover windows with storm shutters or nail plywood to protect you from glass breakage.
• Fill your vehicle’s gas tank and check oil, water and tires. Gas pumps don’t operate without electricity. If your vehicle is electric, make sure it is fully charged.
• Move automobiles under cover or in the garage if authorities recommend sheltering in place.
• Secure your boat early. Some drawbridges on evacuation routes may be locked down and closed to boat traffic after an evacuation is ordered.
• Leave your swimming pool filled and super-chlorinated. Cover your filtration system.
• Get cash. Banks and ATMs cannot operate without electricity, and stores may not be able to accept credit cards.
• Take your pets with you or board them at a veterinarian. Evacuate large and exotic animals early. Pets are not allowed in American Red Cross shelters.

Hurricane Warning Preparation

Evacuate if you live in:

• an area that will be subjected to storm surge
• a mobile home
• a flood-prone area
• an area where officials have issued an evacuation order

When you evacuate:

• Evacuate early – evacuation routes will likely be busy.
• Take an emergency supply kit with you.
• Take important papers with you.
• Tell friends or family where you are going.
• Turn off your electricity, gas and water at their main switches or valves. Do not attempt to turn off gas at a meter.
• Never try to ride out the storm in your car. If it becomes apparent that traffic will prevent you from getting anywhere, seek shelter immediately.

If you choose not to evacuate:

• Stay off roads.
• Protect your doors and windows.
• Store drinking water in clean containers and your bathtub. You may lose public utilities for weeks following a hurricane.
• Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Find a safe area in your home – an interior, reinforced room, closet or bathroom on the lower floor.
• Turn off major appliances, such as air conditioners and hot water heaters, to reduce damage if you lose power.
• Turn off the electricity at the main fuse box if flooding threatens your home.
• Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to locate to an upper floor quickly. Flooding by tidal surge is a leading cause of death and destruction in hurricanes.
• If you choose to use a generator, please follow all instructions and safety precautions. Do not operate it indoors as this may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Do not go outside. Once the eye of the storm passes over your area, there will be a short period of calm. However, on the other side of the eye, wind speed will increase rapidly to hurricane force and will come from the opposite direction. There may be flying debris.

Remember that hurricanes often spawn tornadoes during and after the main storm. Keep your home property inventory up to date, and store it in a safe location that you will be able to access even if your home is damaged or destroyed. After a hurricane blows through, non-coastal areas should be on the alert for residual effects.

More Information

The National Hurricane Center
Ready.gov: Hurricane

This loss control information is advisory only. The author assumes no responsibility for management or control of loss control activities. Not all exposures are identified in this article. Contact your local, independent insurance agent for coverage advice and policy service.