Homeowner Advice: What to do when there’s a hurricane or tropical storm.

Homeowner Advice: What to do when there’s a hurricane or tropical storm.

 Dec/03/2020      817
Protect yourself and your home with these tips for hurricanes and tropical storms.

If you live in an area ravaged by hurricanes or tropical storms, you know the damage they can do. As a new homeowner, you might not be aware of what to do before, during and after a hurricane or tropical storm. Here are some tips to help you navigate these dangerous storms.

1. Always be prepared for an emergency.

If there is a severe hurricane or tropical storm, you might have to live without power and clean water for a while. You also might not be able to leave your home. Keeping an emergency kit on hand can keep you safe while you wait out the storm and clean up.

Your emergency kit should contain water, fuel, toiletries, flashlights, cash, non-perishable food, blankets and anything else you think you might need. You can find a full list of everything you might need at the Red Cross and FEMA websites.

2. Leave your home if advised to do so.

Wanting to stay in your home is understandable. You might want to hold out in hopes of saving your prized possessions and your home. However, staying in your home during a severe hurricane could be very dangerous. Your home could be structurally damaged from the storm or floodwaters could rise in the area. It’s vital that you follow evacuation orders from local officials to secure your safety.

3. Secure important belongings before you evacuate.

Boarding up your home could prevent or lessen the severity of damage and can prevent looting. Make sure to unplug electrical appliances. Lock all windows and doors and trigger your security alarm. If you keep valuable items at home, pack them if you have time and take them with you. Put your important documents in a safe place or take them with you. Most paperwork is digital these days, but you may have some old documents you would like to save.

4. Call your insurance agency if there’s damage.

If a storm causes damage to your home that requires you to leave, call your insurance company to find out if they will cover the cost of relocation. Many insurance companies will provide temporary housing whether it is an apartment rental or hotel if your home is damaged.

5. Keep receipts from repairs.

Keep all receipts when fixing your home after it has been damaged by a hurricane or tropical storm. Once you have completed repairs, submit everything to your insurance company. You would be surprised at how many things are covered.

6. Find a home contractor to repair your home.

At HomeContractors101 we work with trusted contractors across the country who work in a wide range of specialties from kitchen contractors to plumbers. You can submit your home repair project at HomeContractors101.com and be matched with contractors near you who are ready and able to take on your repairs. You can compare quotes faster and easier and find the home contractor right for you.