We're entering the most active part of our hurricane season

We're entering the most active part of our hurricane season

| August 20, 2020


We're entering the most active part of the Atlantic hurricane season. Here's what you can do now to prepare, during a storm to survive and after a storm to be safe. 

For more information, visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.



Now/Prepare

During/Survive

After/Be Safe

Sign up for local alerts and warnings. Monitor local news and weather reports. Follow Heist Insurance on Facebook for regular updates on local conditions.

If advised to evacuate by local authorities,
grab 
your “go bag” and leave immediately.

Return to the area only after authorities say it is safe to do so. Do not enter damaged buildings until they are inspected by qualified professionals. Be aware of potential for building collapse.

Stock emergency supplies, at least
3 days’ worth. Include medications,
non-perishable foods and pet supplies,
battery powered flashlights.

Set your refrigerator and freezer to the
highest settings. 

Discard food in your refrigerator and freezer that has thawed. The Red Cross reports food is unsafe to consume if it is warmer than 40 degrees F.

Prepare to evacuate., know evacuation
routes,
have a place to stay, pack a go bag.

For protection from high winds, stay away from windows and seek shelter on the lowest level
in an interior room. Lock all doors and windows.

Look out for downed or unstable trees, poles, and power lines.

Charge your devices and your portable
back-up 
battery pack.

 

Move to higher ground if there is flooding
or a flood warning.

Do not drink tap water unless authorities say it is safe.

Protect your property. Install sewer
back-flow valves, anchor fuel tanks,
de-clutter drains and gutters.  Secure
all outdoor items, including awnings.
Cover your home’s windows.

Turn Around Don’t Drown.® Never walk
or drive on flooded roads or through water.

Wear gloves and boots to clean and disinfect. Wet items should be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors.

 

Collect and safeguard critical financial,
medical, educational, and legal
documents and records. Keep important documents in a safe place or create
password-protected digital copies.

Call 9-1-1 if you are in life-threatening
danger.

Some damaged items may require disposal, so keep photographs of these items. Take photos of any floodwater in your home.

Know your insurance policy coverage,
limits and deductibles.  Once a storm
watch is issued, changes to insurance
policy coverage is not permitted by carriers.

Monitor news and social media for updates
from local authorities.

Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their purchase date and value with receipts, and place with the inventory you took prior to the flood. Report claims as soon as possible.