Get Prepared!

Hurricane season is upon us and we all need to be prepared. Even those of us in the mountains are not exempt from the dangers of hurricanes and tropical storms. Think back to 2004 with Hurricane Fran and Ivan. We were all affected by the devastating aftermath of these storms. Some have said that this could be one of the worst hurricane seasons in history, so let's get prepared! Below is important information from National Hurricane Center on how YOU can protect yourself, your family, your home and be prepared this hurricane season:

Develop a Family Plan!

Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.
Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.

Secure Your Home!

RETROFITTING YOUR HOME
The most important precaution you can take to reduce damage to your home and property is to protect the areas where wind can enter. According to recent wind technology research, it's important to strengthen the exterior of your house so wind and debris do not tear large openings in it. You can do this by protecting and reinforcing these five critical areas:
ROOF STRAPS SHUTTERS DOORS GARAGE DOORSA great time to start securing - or retrofitting - your house is when you are making other improvements or adding an addition.
Remember: building codes reflect the lessons experts have learned from past catastrophes. Contact the local building code official to find out what requirements are necessary for your home improvement projects.
FLOOD INSURANCEThe National Flood Insurance Program, is a pre-disaster flood mitigation and insurance protection program designed to reduce the escalating cost of disasters. The National Flood Insurance Program makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners
Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Do not make assumptions. Check your policy.
National Flood Insurance Program call1-888-CALL-FLOOD

For more information and to track the storms visit http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Please feel free to email or call us if you have any questions. Stay safe!