Hurricane Katrina in 2005 (Source: NOAA)
With hurricane season officially getting under way Sunday, this weekend would be a great time to prepare, according to the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes.
The nonprofit alliance has developed lists of things you and your family can do in one hour, one day or one weekend to prepare, according to a statement. They include:
ONE-HOUR ACTIVITIES
1. Create your family’s emergency plan. Plans should include copies of important documents. They include insurance policies, the deed to your home or rental agreement, evacuation information, a shelter-in-place plan, important phone numbers and a home inventory.
2. Build your family’s storm kit. Kits should include items you will need for at least three days after a storm. Items include water, nonperishable food, batteries, flashlights, a battery-powered NOAA weather radio, prescription medications and supplies for children, the elderly and pets.
ONE-DAY ACTIVITIES
1. Create a home insurance inventory. An inventory with descriptions and photos of your property will be an invaluable resource if you need to file an insurance claim. Use the Know Your Stuff resource via the Insurance Information Institute (III).
2. Hurricane-proof your landscaping. Anything can become a dangerous flying object during a high-wind event. Make your landscaping more hurricane-resilient. That includes replacing landscaping rocks with mulch or trimming back tree limbs that hang over your roof.
3. Clean your gutters. Your gutters direct rainfall away from your home and prevent flooding, but they must be clear and in good condition. Clear out leaves or any other debris and make sure you don’t have any rusted spots, holes or openings.
4. Strengthen your soffits. Properly installed soffits should keep water out of your home. Make sure your soffits have suitable caulking and screws.
5. Enhance your roof sheathing attachment. Proper application of the right caulk can increase the wind uplift resistance of your roof sheathing by up to three times. Begin work in the morning because attics can become quite warm in the afternoon.
ONE WEEKEND ACTIVITY
1. Measure for temporary emergency plywood shutters. If you don't have preinstalled hurricane shutters, you should board up with plywood shutters. Temporary emergency plywood shutters can cost $275 to $750. Measure all windows in your home and get the plywood cut and labeled to make installation easier when a storm is coming.
