Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season?
New Englanders are no strangers to the dangers, expenses and inconveniences that hurricanes can bring to our shores. These massive storms grow rapidly as they travel over warm ocean waters and can wreak havoc more than 100 miles inland. Heavy winds, micro-bursts and occasionally tornadoes can tear off roofs and uproot trees; and excessive rain can cause significant flooding. Entire power grids can be down for days. These storms are no joke, and our OceanPoint Insurance team wants you and your family to stay safe!
Hurricane season peaks in September, which is just around the corner. Here’s what you and your family need to know to stay safe and secure during this hurricane season:
- Consider how you and your family can receive weather notifications this hurricane season. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are one way that state and local public safety officials can keep you informed. WEAs resemble text messages but will have a unique sound and vibration. There is no charge for these messages, and you do not have to subscribe to receive them. If you have a WEA-capable phone and your wireless carrier participates in the program, you will receive these alerts. (More than 100 wireless service providers, including all of the largest carriers, do.)
To learn more about WEAs, please visit the FCC’s website or view the short video below.
- Make a shelter plan with your family. These plans should include where to take shelter if you are at home or if you are at work during a hurricane. Consider making a plan for during the storm and also an extended “after the storm” plan. Make sure your home is secure and storm ready if you decide to hunker down during the hurricane and ensure that you have enough food and bottled water for an extended period. Many people in Rhode Island were without electricity for up to seven days during the most recent storms, and those in rural areas were also without a water supply throughout the duration. Also, familiarize yourself with the locations of public hurricane and storm shelters in your area. If the storm damages your home, either move to a storm shelter or make arrangements to stay with other family members or friends.
To learn more, download ‘How To Prepare For A Hurricane’
Consider special circumstances that might affect your choice of shelter during and after a hurricane. Do you have pets? Does anyone in your household have medical needs that might require prescriptions or special equipment? Does anyone in your family have special dietary needs? Are your family’s important documents and papers in a safe and waterproof place that is easily accessible in case of emergency evacuation?
Consider special circumstances that might affect your choice of shelter during and after a hurricane. Do you have pets? Does anyone in your household have medical needs that might require prescriptions or special equipment? Does anyone in your family have special dietary needs? Are your family’s important documents and papers in a safe and waterproof place that is easily accessible in case of emergency evacuation?- Make a Family Emergency Plan and make sure every member of your household has a copy of it. This plan should include household information, emergency meeting place information, out-of-town contacts and other important contact numbers and information that your family might need in case of an emergency.
Download FEMA’s Family Emergency Plan guidelines.
- Practice your Emergency Plan with the members of your household. This is very important for two reasons. First, it can take out some of the anxiety of having to execute the plan during an actual emergency. Secondly, you may find kinks or things you may not have considered before implementing the Family Emergency Plan in a real hurricane situation that can be addressed and revamped to ensure a safe and effective Family Emergency Plan.
Check your town’s website (Rhode Island or Massachusetts to develop an understanding of your local emergency preparedness plans.
Hurricanes are just part of life when it comes to being a New Englander. Follow these tips to keep you and your family safe during this hurricane season! Also, take the time to make sure your home and belongings are adequately insured and pay particular attention to Flood Insurance. Our team of agents can walk you through to ensure that your insurance policy will cover you in the aftermath of a hurricane.
List of Hurricane Resources
To learn more about WEAs, please visit the FCC’s website or view the short video below.
For Rhode Island
- Hurricane Preparedness
- Hurricane Preparedness, Food Safety
- Hurricane Preparedness, Water Safety
- Rhode Island Power Outage Map
