Severe storms often strike with short warning, leaving you at significant risk if you’re unprepared. Extreme weather, from hurricanes and thunderstorms to winter blizzards, can cause widespread damage, disrupt your daily life, and threaten your family’s safety. Remaining proactive can reduce damage, safeguard your loved ones, and alleviate the stress of dealing with natural disasters.
Understanding potential risks, planning, and taking timely actions can safeguard your home from water damage or other types of deterioration. In this article, we’ll explore essential tips to help you prepare for a severe storm, from building a reliable emergency supply kit to ensuring you have the right insurance coverage.
How to Make a Severe Storm Supply Kit
A well-stocked storm supply kit is essential for staying safe and comfortable during extreme weather events. If you lose power or have to shelter in place for an extended period, having the right supplies on hand can make all the difference. Here's an example of what to include in your kit:
Water and Non-Perishable Food: Store at least one gallon of water per person daily, enough for three days, including drinking and hygiene needs. Keep non-perishable foods such as canned goods, energy bars, and freeze-dried meals that require minimal cooking or preparation.
First Aid Supplies: Stock your kit with first aid essentials like adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, pain relievers, and tweezers. Additionally, if anyone in your home has specific medical needs, include extra prescription medications or supplies such as inhalers, insulin, or their medical essentials.
Flashlights and Batteries: Power outages often occur during storms. Keep several flashlights and extra batteries ready. A hand-crank or solar-powered flashlight can serve as a backup. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can be handy for weather updates and emergency information.
Personal Hygiene Items: Pack essentials like feminine hygiene products, hand sanitizer, soap, toilet paper, and wet wipes. A small towel and moist towelettes can help clean up when water is scarce.
Important Documents: Keep essential documents like IDs, insurance papers, medical records, and bank details close and protected in a resealable bag or waterproof container.
Tools and Miscellaneous Items: Other valuable items include a multi-tool or Swiss army knife, duct tape, matches or lighters, blankets, and a tarp for emergency shelter. If you have pets, pack pet food, water, and any medications they may need.
By assembling these essentials in advance, you can confidently handle a storm and stay safe and self-sufficient until conditions improve.
Can home insurance help you prepare for a severe storm?
Securing reliable home insurance is critical in preparing for a severe storm. While most storm preparation focuses on emergency supplies and physical safety measures, having the right insurance coverage can be a financial lifesaver if you sustain property damage. Home insurance protects you by covering expenses related to structural damage, repairs, and loss of personal belongings. Keeping your policy up to date and tailored to your area’s specific risks ensures peace of mind, knowing you’re financially prepared for whatever comes your way.
It’s important to note that basic homeowners insurance often excludes certain types of storm-related damage, like that caused by floods or earthquakes. Adding flood insurance is essential for areas prone to heavy rainfall, hurricanes, or rising waters, as traditional policies don’t typically pay for water damage. Similarly, those in earthquake-prone regions should invest in earthquake insurance to protect against costly structural repairs. By reviewing and enhancing your coverage to include these risks, you can ensure comprehensive protection and financial security in the face of extreme weather.
Keep Your Home Protected With SelectQuote
Preparing for a severe storm is about more than just securing your home—it's about protecting your loved ones, your property, and your financial well-being. While emergency kits, home fortifications, and evacuation plans are essential, one often overlooked aspect of storm readiness is having the right insurance coverage. Homeowners insurance and additional specific risk coverages like floods and earthquakes protect you in the aftermath of a disaster.
At SelectQuote, we understand the importance of peace of mind, especially when facing the unpredictability of severe weather. We have nearly 40 years of industry experience getting customers rates to match their budgets and needs. Our licensed insurance agents compare unbiased quotes from several of the nation’s most highly trusted carriers all in one place.
