We are in the eye of the Hurricane Season and being prepared is an important step to help protect your home, belongings and family. Forecasting methods and technology improve every year, but they aren’t capable of completely predicting Mother Nature quite yet. While tropical storms are identified and tracked, some don’t show their true colors until just before landfall . In our last Storm post (during Hurricane Preparedness Week) we shared exactly what a hurricane is. However, these storms can turn dangerous and deadly in a matter of hours. Even though tropical storms are closely watched, sometimes the definition doesn’t truly describe how devastating a Hurricane can be.
The 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season has already yielded five named storms, with the fifth one just named this week. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center is forecasting an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season this year. They’re predicting 12 to 18 named storms, with six to ten becoming hurricanes and three to six expected to become major hurricanes (category three or higher).
Hearing a storm coming your way or watching the local forecaster track it on the television can be terrifying, but being prepared for the storm well in advance can help ease the stress. Here are some helpful tips from Foremost on how to plan for a Hurricane before it hits:
- Keep updated on the storm. Stay near a radio, television or the Internet so you have access to the latest weather updates.
- Prepare your home. Pick up loose objects in yard, place protection over your windows and doors and lower the antennas if you can.
- Review your insurance policy. Talk with your Foremost agency and take pictures and video of your home and belongings.
- Know your area’s evacuation plan. These depend on the area and the type of storm. Check with your local emergency management office.
- Be prepared with pictures of family members in case you are separated. Prepare children with addresses and phone numbers.
- Check your survival kit and emergency supplies. Foremost.com has a useful emergency checklist to help with plan what you will need before and during a Hurricane.
- Fill your gas tank. Remember, you may not be able to buy gas during an emergency. If you don’t have a car, make other transportation arrangements with relatives, friends, neighbors or your local emergency management office.
- Leaving your home. When you’re ready to leave your home, unplug all appliances like your TV, VCR, computer, stereo and microwave. If instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity. Finally, lock all windows and doors.
Hurricanes can be devastating. There is no harm in being overly cautious, because forecasters can only predict so much. Educate yourself and stay on top of Hurricane planning because your safety is important to us. Click here for more helpful safety tips on Foremost.com.
