How To Prepare Your Home for a Hurricane

Summer is Winding Down and Football Season Starting Up – the Carolinas Know That Means Time For Hurricanes. Here are Some Tips for Getting Ready Before the Storm!

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When kids head back to school and the temperatures start dropping it is usually a sign that summer is coming to and end. In the Carolina’s most residents know that also is the start of hurricane season. Even though the official date of Hurricane season is June 1 to November 30, the Carolina’s typically see the storms between the end of August and September. While you don’t have to know everything about hurricanes and how they form it is helpful and important to know what to have on hand in case of a hurricane.

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The American Red Cross is a good source of information before and after a storm. Here are a few of their tips to prepare you and your family for hurricanes.

  • Listen to local radio station for updates from the National Weather Service.
  • Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
  • Close your windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
  • Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
  • Turn off propane tank.
  • Unplug small appliances.
  • Fill your car’s gas tank.
  • Create a hurricane evacuation plan with members of your household. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
  • Find out about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
  • Obey evacuation orders. Avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.

These are some tips to keep in mind to be prepared for the storm. Here are some supplies the American Red Cross recommends you have on hand when there is a hurricane headed your way.

  • Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
  • Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
  • Multi-purpose tool
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
  • Cell phone with chargers
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • Extra cash
  • Emergency blanket
  • Map(s) of the area
  • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
  • Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
  • Tools/supplies for securing your home
  • Extra set of car keys and house keys
  • Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
  • Rain gear
  • Insect repellent and sunscreen
  • Camera for photos of damage

It is important to be prepared and informed about the weather heading to your area!

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying a home in the Raleigh area, contact Wilson Realty Group today: 919-378-1974. We look forward to making your home buying process a smooth and stress free experience!