5 Steps to Prepare for a Hurricane or Tropical Storm

As we enter June, the Atlantic hurricane season has officially begun. On average, 12 tropical storms, 6 of which become hurricanes, form over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico during the hurricane season which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year (Source: National Hurricane Center, NOAA).

While you cannot know exactly if, where, or when a hurricane may strike, it is important to understand how to be better prepared, so you have a solid plan in the event it does. Should a tropical storm or hurricane make landfall near or in your area, follow these 5 Hurricane & Storm Preparation steps to keep your home and loved ones safe.

 Hurricane/Tropical Storm Preparation Tips

1. Find Updates on Tropical Weather Events: The local news and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are key resources to find out the latest information about an approaching tropical weather event. The maps from the NHC forecast the likely path of the storm and project hourly timelines for the approaching tropical weather event.
2. Pack an Emergency Bag: Pack a small bag of items you will require if you are evacuated along with items special to you which hold high sentimental value.
3. Make an Evacuation Plan: If evacuation is necessary, 1) turn off all utilities and follow community disaster preparedness plans. As cellular communications may be significantly impacted following a storm, 2) determine a prioritized order of common meeting places for your family following the storm and 3) identify a single point-of-contact that lives in a different geography to contact to confirm that all family members are safe. 4) If you have pets, have a plan for their evacuation as well.
4. Move your Vehicles: Move your vehicles to a covered area on higher ground or park them in your garage against the garage doors. Do not park under trees or power lines as the storm may result in flying debris or downed power lines/telephone poles. Plan a few alternative escape routes from your home in case there is significant flooding. 
   
   1. Residence is on Higher Ground: If your residence is on higher ground and you have a vehicle lift or jack stands available, elevate your classic car to minimize the chance of flood damage resulting from storm surge, flash flooding, or excess rainfall. Elevating your car at least 18” will help protect it against most flooding. Also, make sure there is nothing in your garage that could fall or float into your classic car to reduce the chances of it getting accidentally scratched or dented.
   2. Residence is in a Low-Lying Area: If you live in a low-lying area, consider moving or towing your vehicle to a temporary storage location in a safer location. The TreasureGuard™ Classic & Collector Car Insurance policy includes the Disaster Relocation Expense Coverage on your policy at no additional charge. This benefit reimburses up to $250 for temporary emergency relocation/storage expenses. Do not wait until the last minute to arrange vehicle relocation/storage as it may be difficult to secure the services of a towing/transport vendor as the storm’s landfall approaches.
   3. Review topography in your area: If you are uncertain about your property’s elevation, you can click the link to retrieve the topographic map for your home from the US Geological Service (USGS). 
5. Additional Preparation Steps: Do not forget to disconnect the battery on your classic vehicle and gather up your important papers (such as your title and service records) to store them in a dry, safe place (i.e., not the glove box).  We recommend that you move them to where you will store your other important personal documents (e.g., your birth certificate). It may be best to keep these important papers with you if you need to evacuate.