20 Jun Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season (2018th ed.)? It Only Takes One!

And…. we’re off! Everyone knows that the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially began on June 1^st. Well, everyone but Alberto, the subtropical storm that became the first named storm of the season on May 25^th. Nevertheless, this is the time of year when we remind you, yes again, that the start of hurricane season, which runs through November 30^th, is not a time for panic. Instead, it’s a time to finalize the plans and protective measures that will be needed if a storm is coming your way.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there is a 35% chance that the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season will have above-normal activity. NOAA predicts a 70% likelihood that the 2018 Hurricane Season will produce:

• 10 – 16 Named Storms (winds of 39 mph or higher)
• 5 – 9 Hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher)
• 1 – 4 Major Hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or higher)

Forecasters at the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project calculated a 51% probability that at least one major hurricane (Category 3, 4, 5) will make landfall somewhere on the continental coastline of the United States. They are also predicting:

• 13 Named Storms (51.5 named storm days)
• 6 Hurricanes (20 hurricane days)
• 2 Major Hurricanes (4 major hurricane days)

A lot is made of these annual predictions, but they should be taken with a grain of salt. After all, it only takes one hurricane to make it an active season for you. Since it’s better to be safe than sorry, here are a few tips that can help your home and business weather a storm.

Before the Storm

• Monitor the news to allow time to prepare.
• Identify tools and equipment that will be needed to secure property before and recover after the storm (flashlights, batteries, caulking, tarpaulins, sandbags, cutting and fastening equipment, etc.).
• Clear drains and downspouts to minimize the risk of flooding.
• Unplug electrical equipment and move items inside and away from windows.
• Check and secure all documents and records.
• Take current pictures or video of property.
• Gather insurance policies and agent/insurer contact information.

After the Storm

• Only after it has been declared safe to do so, take reasonably necessary steps to protect against any further property damage.
• Report fallen power lines immediately—stay away from them!
• Check exterior walls and roof for damage.
• Check interior perimeter walls, floors and roof for leaks and water damage.
• Document all damage with photographs and video.
• Prepare detailed damage reports.
• Call your insurance company or agent as soon as possible to report damage.

With over 30 years of experience dealing with tropical storms and hurricanes, we know that taking preventative measures before a hurricane is the most effective way to limit the damage. Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk has a long history of helping clients prepare before the storm and, more importantly, recover after the storm.

Our team of experienced and responsive professionals can help protect your personal and business property in the event of a hurricane. Please contact us if you would like more information about protecting your personal and business property during the 2018 Hurricane Season.