FACTS AND TIPS

Hurricane Season is from June 1 to November 30

• Experts at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimate there is a 70 percent likelihood of up to 20 named storms, of which 7 to 11 could become hurricanes, including 3 to 6 major hurricanes.
• These ranges are well above the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.
• Hurricanes produce heavy rain that can result in flood damage in coastal and inland areas.
• Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage.

Important Tips to Protect Your Home or Business:

• Homeowners and businesses should review emergency plans, stock up on supplies, secure buildings and review insurance coverage.
• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Know your surroundings.
• Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.
• Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
• Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.

Make plans to secure your property:

• Cover all of your home or businesses’ windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8" marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
• Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
• Determine how and where to secure your boat.

Install a generator for emergencies.

If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.

Consider building a safe room.