The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with the peak of the season rapidly approaching and running from mid-August to the beginning of October. While Timberpeg is renowned for their sturdiness in the face of tough weather, it is important for all homeowners in coastal areas to prepare for the hurricane season. Here are a few tips for hurricane preparedness, although most of these are good ideas to be prepared for any possible emergency.
Organize a “Go Bag”
For a hurricane or any other emergency that may require you to evacuate your home, you should organize your most essential items so that they are easy to take with on short notice. You should keep a small first aid kit that you can bring with you, along with some non-perishable food and water. Make sure that any medications your family requires is grouped together and easy to gather quickly. You should also keep vital records like birth and marriage certificates, titles to vehicles and medical records in a portable container so that they can be packed away quickly as well. Extra blankets are also a good idea for your kit. If you have pets, make sure to include supplies for them as well. Consult your local authorities for what they recommend for your disaster kit.
Flood Insurance
When one thinks of a hurricane, the primarily coastal dangers of high winds and storm surge may be what first springs to mind. However, flooding is one of the largest concerns with a tropical system and can occur well inland from landfall. Although our factories are located over 150 miles inland from where Hurricane Irene made its landfall in 2011, the area was heavily damaged from the torrential rains left in the storm’s wake. Regular homeowner’s insurance does not protect against flooding, so make sure that you have a flood insurance policy to protect against losses from storm surge and flooding.
Secure your house before a storm
If you are in the predicted path of a storm, then you should take action to minimize any damage to your property. Outdoor items like patio furniture or bicycles should be secured indoors where they will not be picked up by the high winds. If you have hurricane shutters on your windows you should use them or use plywood to board up your windows to protect them. You should also fill your vehicle’s fuel tank ahead of time, so that it is ready in case you are ordered to evacuate. If you have a propane system, shut it off before leaving the property. A battery powered portable weather radio is a wise purchase, and modern radios only notify you of alerts that affect your county. So, we definitely hope we haven’t alarmed anyone about the risks of hurricane season but have instead reassured our readers that with a well-built post and beam home, and proper preparedness, you and your home will be able to weather the storm. If you’d like to learn more about the structural benefits of post and beam construction, or would like start designing your own home, please contact Timberpeg today.