hurricane preparation checklist

An important part of emergency preparedness is knowing how to prepare your home for a hurricane. Use these hurricane safety tips when preparing for a hurricane. Importantly, don’t wait until the last minute to gather all of the emergency essentials on your hurricane supply list.

Shutters

Install the hardware needed to put up shutters or pre-cut plywood to protect windows and doors now. This will allow for easier installation if the storm threatens your area.

Shut the Doors on Hurricane Damage

Coastal storm approaching? Close all interior doors, in addition to all windows and exterior doors, to reduce damage risks.

High winds place homes under intense pressure. Wind entering the home through an open or broken window, can create strong upward pressure on the roof. Rigorous scientific wind testing on a full-scale, 1,400-square-foot single-story home at the IBHS Research Center reveals closing interior doors helps compartmentalize the pressure inside a home into smaller areas reducing the overall force on the roof structure, which gives the roof a better chance of staying intact.

Surroundings

Bring in any loose items, such as garbage cans and lawn furniture, and pick up any debris in the yard that can act as a projectile during high winds, before a storm arrives.

Trees

Trim your risk of damage by cutting weak tree branches, along with branches that are positioned over structures, which could be broken off by high winds and cause property damage.

Seals

Make sure caulking around windows and doors is in good shape and not cracked, broken or missing, and fill any holes or gaps around pipes or wires that enter your building.

Roofs
Inspect your roof and overhang to look for signs of wear or damage. Have your roof inspected to make sure the roof sheathing is well-connected.

Attached Structures
Have porches, carports, entryway canopies and storage sheds inspected to make sure they are firmly attached and in sound structural condition.

Sump Pumps & Drains
Inspect sump pumps and drains to ensure proper operation. If a sump pump has a battery backup, make sure the batteries are fresh or replace the batteries.

Generators
Prepare and test your generator BEFORE a storm strikes.

We know you care about your family first and foremost. We are a family-owned business that understands this – Lawley Insurance has been protecting individuals and families for over 60 years. We value the trust we have earned over the years more than anything. We are committed to delivering the most appropriate personal insurance so you do not have to worry if you are properly covered.