Ways to Prepare Your Home & Family for Hurricane Season
Many people think that hurricane season only lasts a few months, but it actually accounts for half of the year; ranging from June 1st – November 30th on the East Coast. Hurricanes often occur with little-to-no warning, so it is important to take these preparation steps now in order to avoid disaster in the not-so-distant future.
Have a plan.
The first step in preparing for anything is by having a plan. Make sure everyone in your family knows where to gather, and how to get in touch in case of separation. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with your city’s evacuation routes in the event you need to leave the area.
Install storm shutters on your home.
Being in the shelter of your own home doesn’t guarantee your safety during a hurricane. In particular, your windows are vulnerable to shattering and sending shards of glass flying throughout your house. Storm shutters add an extra layer of defense to help prevent your glass from breaking.
Tighten up any outdoor safety hazards.
Any loose or poorly-secured items will be victim to the heavy winds of a hurricane. Make sure to trim the trees around your yard to make them more wind-resistant, store away any lawn furniture and garbage bins, and your reinforce garage and shed doors if necessary.
Stock up on supplies.
Having the right supplies can be the difference between a relatively smooth experience and a disaster. Be sure to have a radio, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, and copies of important paperwork in case you need to evacuate. Stock up on these supplies now – you won’t want to hit the store the day before a hurricane.
Equip your home with an automatic standby generator.
Nobody wants to be without power, but unfortunately that’s what happens with many hurricanes. A professionally-installed standby generator can help you avoid this inconvenience altogether. These units can automatically detect a blackout and power on within seconds, so you never miss a beat.
Want to learn more about preparing for a hurricane? Check out this article from Weather Underground.
Depend on Cannondale for your backup generator.
Residents of Fairfield County, Connecticut can depend on Cannondale Generators to professionally install and maintain their home’s backup generator. We are an authorized reseller of Generac, Kohler, Cummins, and Briggs & Stratton generators, and have more than 25 years of experience under our belt. Contact us online or give us a call at (203) 762-2608 to get started with a free evaluation.
