Take time before then to prepare your home and household for any severe weather that comes your way. Remember, hurricanes are not just a coastal problem; they can also affect inland areas with rain, water and high winds. Plan ahead and help prepare for a hurricane with this handy checklist.<\/p>\n
Depending on the severity of the storm, you may not have access to food, water or electricity for days. Have an emergency kit for your home ready to go that includes non-perishable foods, personal and financial records, a first aid kit, battery-powered electronics and more. Check out our\u00a0emergency preparedness infographic<\/a>\u00a0for a full list of items to include in your kit.<\/p>\n Have a meeting with all the members of your household to discuss your emergency plan. Designate one room to best protect you from high winds \u2014a small, windowless room that is safe from flooding. If your home is in an area that is likely to flood, or if you live in a\u00a0mobile home<\/a>, plan to evacuate and find accommodations in a designated community shelter or at a friend or family’s home.<\/p>\n Sign up for FEMA’s text messaging alert system<\/a>\u00a0and your community’s emergency alerts to be aware of severe weather warnings in place and the location of nearby shelters if advised to evacuate. Know your evacuation route and practice it often.<\/p>\n Can your home withstand hurricane-force winds?\u00a0There are plenty of ways to help protect the exterior of your home<\/a>\u00a0during severe weather. Before a hurricane makes landfall, remove any outdoor patio furniture, clear debris from your drains and gutters, reinforce your garage doors and consider installing hurricane shutters.<\/p>\n Having a record of all your valuable belongings will help you out significantly if you have to file an insurance claim.\u00a0Find out what you should include in your inventory and the best way to record it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\u2713\u00a0Make a plan.<\/h2>\n
\u2713\u00a0Prepare your home.<\/h2>\n
\u2713\u00a0Create a personal property inventory.<\/h2>\n
\u2713\u00a0Check your homeowners insurance policy.<\/h2>\n