The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1, and experts predict 2020 will be more active than normal.Now is the time to prepare to keep your family and possessions safe.BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON Secure your family: Build your family’s emergency kit, including enough supplies to sustain you and your family for three days.

For tips on how to build your emergency kit, visit https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit Build your kit based on your family’s unique needs, considering any special circumstances, including pets, infants or elderly family members.Assemble individual “go bags” for each member of your family, including pets.Develop a family communication plan and test it to make sure all members understand how you will connect with each other in an emergency.

For tips on how to develop a plan, visit https://www.ready.gov/plan Know your local evacuation routes.Browse this list (PDF 153K) to see if your evacuation zone map and route are available.Secure your home and possessions: Organize important documents, including insurance policies.

Trim large trees around your home; anchor any fuel tanks on your property.Inspect your storm shutters and ensure they are in good condition.Catalog the contents of your home by videotaping room by room.

Make sure your home is in good repair and meets local hurricane building codes, including a reinforced roof, hurricane and wind-resistant soffits, and hurricane-rated windows.Plan to have your boat stored at a marina.Safely secure your fine art or other cherished items through an art handler or specialized warehouse.

DURING HURRICANE SEASON Sign up for emergency alerts and warnings; be prepared to monitor local news and weather reports.Obey any evacuation orders issued by local authorities.After a storm: Return to the area only after authorities have declared it safe to do so.

Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through floodwaters.Look out for downed or unstable trees or power lines.MORE INFORMATION Hurricane Evacuation Checklist (PDF 3MB) This loss control information is advisory only.

The author assumes no responsibility for management or control of loss control activities.Not all exposures are identified in this article.Share This Blog: Share This Blog: