How to prepare for a hurricane
It’s important to take these steps before the hurricane season.
A tropical storm chantal formed off the coast of South Carolina on Saturday, July 5th, with the National Hurricane Center warning of heavy rains across the coastal Carolina.
The center said the tropical storm conditions could begin on Saturday evening and continue until Sunday morning. The biggest impact on Carolina is expected to be localized heavy rains in flooding that was isolated until Sunday.
Moderate flooding could occur east of Interstate 95, which could encourage evacuation and rescue, the office of the National Weather Service in Wilmington said. Rip currents that threaten life on Sunday through Sunday on all beaches in the area can break the height of a 6-foot wave.
Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1st and continues until the end of November.
Aggressive hurricane weather usually peaks between mid-August and mid-October.
Tropical Storm Chantal Tracker
What is a tropical storm?
Tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm when its sustained wind speed reaches 39 mph. When the wind reaches 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane.
Get ready for a hurricane now
Potentially delaying preparations for salvation can mean waiting until it’s too late. “Get disaster supply while the shelves are still in stock and flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period, so get that insurance inspection early,” NOAA recommends.
- Establish an evacuation plan: If you are at risk of a hurricane, you will need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to plan where you will go and how you will get there.
- Assemble disaster supply: Whether you’re evacuating or evacuating, you’ll need supplies not only to get through the storm, but also for the potentially long aftermath.
- Get an insurance inspection and document your property: Contact your insurance company or agent now to ask for an insurance inspection and make sure you have sufficient insurance to repair or replace your home or belongings. Remember that home insurance and tenant insurance don’t cover floods, so you’ll need a separate insurance for that. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or through your national flood insurance program. Flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period, so take action now.
- Create a family communication plan: NOAA said he took the time to write down your hurricane plan and share it with your family. Determine where family gatherings are to be located and include out-of-town locations in the event of evacuation.
- It strengthens your home: Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand the effects of a hurricane. Trim the wood; attach storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass. Seal the wall opening.
(This story has been updated to fix spelling/typos.)
