Photo by Michael M on Unsplash

If you are expecting a Category 3, 4 or 5 hurricane to directly impact your home and immediate area, GO. Obey evacuation orders from local, state or federal agencies and leave as soon as possible. Remember, your home can always be repaired after the hurricane. There is nothing you can do to prevent damage to your home if you stay. You will just be endangering yourself and your family by staying.

Preparing for a Category 1 or 2 Hurricane

In most cases, lower category hurricane damage to homes is due to flooding and power loss rather than strong winds. Depending on how flood-prone your area is, you might consider leaving for higher ground even under a Category 1 or 2 hurricane warning. If you plan to ride out a hurricane, here are some tips to prepare for the unexpected:

• Have two battery-operated or wind-up radios ready to use.
• Bring in anything in your yard you don't want to lose to flooding.
• Nail plywood across windows if you don't have hurricane shutters.
• About 24 hours before the hurricane hits, set your refrigerator at its coldest level. This helps keep food fresh longer if you lose power.
• Fill all vehicle gas tanks.
• Stock up on bottled water. Also, fill bathtubs and several buckets with water for non-drinking purposes.
• Stock up on non-perishable food items.
• Make sure essential prescriptions are filled.
• If time permits, trim trees surrounding  your home.
• Lock all doors and windows to prevent the wind from forcing them open.

Home Repair After a Hurricane

If you need contractors to repair damage to your home, watch for scammers after a hurricane. Hire only established, reputable home repair contractors and never give a contractor money before the repair project is completed.