Hurricane Season Is Here!

Posted on July 24, 2020

Although Hurricane Fay didn’t directly impact Massachusetts, it was the earliest sixth named storm on record in 2020. Hurricanes Gonzalo and Hannah have already been named and are just waiting to form.

Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare your home. Preparing now will save you some time, effort, and money. Costs increase on certain items such as generators, and the price of batteries can increase as storms are approaching. Many insurance policies for homes near the cost contain a higher wind damage deductible. Therefore, taking preventative steps now can save you out-of-pocket expenditures.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW TO PREPARE FOR A HURRICANE

• CREATE A DISASTER KIT THAT INCLUDES:

  • Non-perishable foods, especially canned goods

  • A manual can opener

  • Plenty of water

  • A generator (follow the safety guidelines)

  • Flashlights and batteries. We recommend avoiding candles due to the increased fire risk.

• REMOVE WEAK AND ROTTEN TREES AND TREE LIMBS. CUT BACK ANY TREE LIMBS HANGING OVER OR CLOSE TO YOUR HOME AND OTHER PROPERTY STRUCTURES. THESE CAUSE SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE DURING HIGH WINDS.

• GIVE THOUGHT TO WHERE YOU PARK YOUR VEHICLE, BOAT, ATVS, AND ANY OTHER ITEMS. CONSIDER TREES AND OTHER HAZARDS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE.

• SIGN UP WITH LOCAL PUBLIC SAFETY AUTHORITIES OR REVERSE 911 SERVICES IN YOUR TOWN OR CITY.

• TEACH YOURSELF, OTHER ADULTS, AND RESPONSIBLE OLDER CHILDREN HOW TO TURN OFF YOUR:

  • Water

  • Gas

  • Power

• CREATE A FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN THAT DETAILS:

  • What the evacuation routes are

  • Who to contact if you become separated

  • Where are you going to meet

  • Who is responsible for smaller children

• REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE. CHANGES TO PROPERTY INSURANCE TYPICALLY CANNOT TAKE PLACE WHEN A STORM IS ON ITS WAY. FLOOD INSURANCE TYPICALLY HAS A 30 DAY WAIT PERIOD. YOU NEED TO MAKE CHANGES NOW!

  • Include the number to your insurance agency and the claim number for your insurance company in your Disaster Kit

Place your Disaster Kit in an easily accessible location and make sure everyone in the household is aware of it. Remember, although non-perishable foods, water, and batteries all typically have expirations longer than a year, you should check your kit at least twice a year.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding your insurance and to make sure you have the proper coverage in place before Hurricane Gonzalo is headed here.