5 Tips for Hurricane Preparedness

Copy of Hurricane Preparedness (600 × 300 px) (1)

Hurricane season is upon us here in Charleston, so here are a few of our best tips to make sure you and your family are ready.

Create a plan as a family:

  • Pick a place to meet outside of your neighborhood.
  • Pick an out of town friend to be your “family contact”.  All family members should call this person and tell them if they are safe and where they are.
  • Discuss what to do in an evacuation and know your evacuation route.
  • Practice your plan annually.

Make a plan for pets:

  • If you have to evacuate, take your pet with you!
  • Assemble an animal emergency supply kit including medicine, collar with ID tag and vaccination records.
  • Know which hotels allow pets.
  • Some counties may have emergency animal shelter facilities, but the availability may be limited.

Build an emergency kit which contains at a minimum:

  • A three day supply of water and non-perishable food.
  • First aid kit.
  • Important papers.
  • Battery powered radio and flashlight.
  • Cell phone chargers.
  • Prescription medication.
  • Blankets and extra clothes.

Create a home inventory:

  • Make a list and photograph/videotape all furnishings and valuables.
  • Use an app like Sortly, Encircle or BluePlum Home Inventory to capture images, descriptions, bar codes and serial numbers of personal property.
  • Keep a written copy of your home inventory in your important papers folder.

Know your insurance coverage:

  • Understand the policy coverage and exclusions.
  • Claims can be paid in two ways: actual cash value or replacement cost.
  • Update your policy to cover the replacement cost of your possessions.
  • Understand your deductible.