Hurricane Prep
The 2025 hurricane season has begun with the first tropical storm formed and crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Tropical Storm Erin is expected to reach the United States next week though the path is never really 100% predictable. As the season kicks off, here are a few tips to help get your hurricane prep started.
1. Create a plan of action for you and your family. Identify the potential risks for your home and work to mitigate those issues. For example: If you are in a flood zone, seek out sandbags (often provided by municipalities) to have on hand when the storm approaches. Using sandbags can help prevent damage from water coming in under doors. Make sure everyone in your household knows the plan and can prepare for the storm.
2. Prepare your home both inside and outside for the impact of the storm. (A) Commencing outside, make sure to bring in your patio furniture or tie it down. With hurricane winds, loose items become proyectiles that can cause damage to your property as well as neighboring homes. (B) Be sure to close and lock (or latch) all doors and windows securely. If you have shutters, make sure to get them up and installed with plenty of time. Don’t wait until the last day to get them up thinking you’re going to have plenty of time. (C) And before heading back inside, check your trees and shrubs to remove any limbs that are dangly or might fly off during the storm. Trim the hedges and remove any loose or fallen branches or palm fronds that could potentially damage property.
3. Make sure to hurricane prep your electronics too! Charging laptops, tablets and phones ahead of the storm should help keep you connected in case of a power outage. If you have portable chargers, be sure to get them charged up also. You may lose power which may also knock out your WiFi connection. Having a cellular backup could help ensure you stay connected. Another important item to consider purchasing is a generator. As storm season approaches, these become more difficult to find. Check with your big box hardware store or my favorite place to shop, your local pawnshop. If you own a generator already, make sure it is properly maintained and get it up and running in advance. If you need gasoline for your generator, make sure to get it sooner rather than later- gas lines get out of control with lines stretching for quite a distance (you could be in line for hours). While you’re there, gas up the car too.
4. Securing your documents is an important part of hurricane prep. Many Fire and Water resistant document holders are available in stores and online. Be sure to purchase one large enough to fit all of your documents. Here are a few documents you should consider safeguarding: birth certificates for you and your spouse and children, social security cards, drivers licenses, passports (visas), wedding certificates, insurance records (home, health, life, etc), and any other paperwork you feel inclined to save. In addition to documents, consider keeping some cash on hand. If power outages occur and continue for an extended period of time, stores may not have ways to process electronic payments. ATM machines may also not be available limiting your access to your money in the bank. Having cash comes in handy in situations like these.
As the season progresses, we will check in again to offer more advice on hurricane prep and options available to you. Ensuring your home and family are prepared safeguards your largest financial investment- your home, as well as your greatest asset- your family and loved ones.
~Rafael Amador