It’s always a good idea to review your hurricane protection plans, especially at the beginning of hurricane season, occurring from June 1 to November 30. You may already know colonial shutters offer hurricane protection in Virginia Beach. But, have you designated who will prepare your colonial shutters in case a hurricane strikes Virginia Beach?
If you don’t already have your colonial shutters installed in Virginia Beach, it’s a good idea to have that done before hurricane season begins!
When Virginia Beach is hit with a hurricane, colonial shutters can help protect your windows, but what about everything else? Check out this hurricane protection checklist to help keep you and your family prepared for the season ahead.
1. Make a Hurricane Plan
If a hurricane strikes, having a plan in place will help keep your family calm and focused during the crisis. Knowing who will be responsible for what ahead of time (such as Dad will prepare the colonial shutters, and Mom will pull out the crisis kit) can reduce chaos and confusion. Here is a great resource to help your family come up with a personalized plan.
2. Have a Hurricane Crisis Kit
It is recommended that you keep at least a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food items for each member of your family. In the event that the power goes out or access to and from your home is restricted, it may take a few days for help to arrive or services to be restored.
This checklist from the Red Cross is a great resource to help you build your kit, including things like batteries, flashlights, and personal hygiene items.
3. Prepare Your Home
Making sure your home is hurricane-ready is a must. Protection for your windows and doors, like colonial shutters or hurricane-proof windows can keep your family, your home, and its contents protected during a hurricane. You can find some practical tips to prepare your home for hurricane season here.
4. Invest in Flood Insurance
No matter how prepared you are, there is still a risk that your home may be flooded in a hurricane. Having insurance in place can mitigate some of your losses.
Standard homeowner’s insurance in Virginia Beach does not include flood insurance; private homeowners can purchase it through their local insurance dealer. Providing them with a copy of your elevation certificate will ensure that you get the best rate possible.
5. Understand Evacuation Procedures
In a worst-case scenario, you may have to evacuate. Officials will work with local news outlets to provide information as quickly as possible to the public. Evacuations will occur based on zones to avoid unnecessary departures. You can find more info here. You must know your zone, which you can find at KnowYourZoneVA.org.
The more prepared you are, the better you will be able to protect yourself, your family, and your Virginia Beach home from the effects of hurricane season.
