No one wants to get caught unprepared by a storm or hurricane. Luckily, 2019 was a relatively quiet year for storms compared to years past. But, we never know when the next big one is around the corner, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to storm preparation.

As we enter into the 2020 hurricane season, here are thirteen ways to prepare your home for a storm or hurricane so you can protect your loved ones and your possessions:

1. TUNE IN TO RELIABLE INFORMATION SOURCES

Leading up to and throughout a storm, we broadcast updates via our social channels. If you don’t follow us on social media, take a moment to open up your social media apps and hit the “follow” or “like” button. That way, you can stay up to date on power outages and other emergency situations that we track on your behalf. 

Here’s a list of links to help get you to the right place:

Social Media:

• United Illuminating Facebook
• United Illuminating Twitter
• NYSEG Facebook
• NYSEG Twitter
• Central Maine Power Facebook
• Central Maine Power Twitter
• RG&E Facebook
• RG&E Twitter

Helpful Websites:

• The Weather Channel
• National Weather Service
• National Hurricane Center
• FEMA
• Stormpulse

2. STOCK UP ON NECESSARY ITEMS

In case of a power outage you may have to resort to non-perishable items (or at least items that will keep without refrigeration). That means grabbing some breakfast bars, peanut butter and crackers, juice boxes and bottled water, so no matter what, you know you have food for you and your family — that’s including your dog, cat, or parakeet!. 

Don’t forget other non-food items too, like batteries, flashlights, a first aid kit, medications, and other necessary items to carry you through at least 7 days. Click here to read FEMA’s list of basic supplies for an emergency kit and go through that checklist to make sure you’re ready. 

3. PREPARE TO KEEP THINGS COLD

Although you want to plan for a world without refrigeration, there are steps you can take to extend the life of your cold items. For instance, you could stock up on ice to keep in the freezer so that, in the event of an outage, you could rely on that ice in coolers to keep items colder longer.

In addition, be diligent about when you open your refrigerator. Every time you open the door, you allow cold air to escape. So, plan to open the door once to remove several items instead of going back and reopening it again and again, and you might just keep your items cool until the power is restored.

4. PUT AWAY AND SECURE YOUR THINGS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE

Flying debris can cause massive damage to cars, other homes, and personal property. If you see a reported storm coming, take a walk around your home to bring indoors or otherwise tie down loose items that may fly away, like pool toys, garden hoses, and deck furniture.

In addition, consider stowing fragile items that may be sitting out in your home, and securing them safely within a cabinet. Again, you’re better safe than sorry, and the last thing anyone wants is for a fragile keepsake to be rattled by a strong wind gust and accidentally break.

5. INSTALL SURGE PROTECTION DEVICES

In the case of a power outage, you’ll want your electronic devices — like laptops and televisions — to be protected against a power surge. Surge protectors are an inexpensive and easy way to protect your electronic devices, so the protector takes the brunt of any power surge instead of your expensive equipment.

6. COVER YOUR AIR CONDITIONERS

If you have wall or window air conditioners, you’ll want to cover them up to ensure that damaging winds or even small debris can’t get inside your home. Air conditioning covers are also an inexpensive and easy way to add a level of protection, and they’re also great for keeping the winter cold out of your home so you save on energy!

7. SEAL WINDOWS & DOORS

Just like with your air conditioners, you’ll want to seal your windows and doors as best you can so you don’t experience winds, water, or small debris entering your home. You can even get reusable door sealers made of fabric to be eco-conscious!

8. CHECK AND CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS & DRAINS

Storms bring many ways to damage a home, including both wind and rain. Although floods often occur from the ground up or from a local water source, they can also be caused by rain having nowhere to go, so it enters your home as it finds the easiest path that follows gravity.

To protect your home against leaks from above, inspect your roof, gutters, and drains to ensure there are no clogs that may divert water into your home. It’s always best to clean out your gutters and drains when the sun is shining, so you don’t have to worry about it when the storm clouds come.

9.. INSPECT YOUR SUMP PUMP

If you have a sump pump in your basement, this is also a piece of equipment you want to check before the storm arrives. Run a simple test by pouring water into your sump or by manually tripping your sump pump to make sure it turns on as it should.

If not, water in the basement can be a catastrophic side effect of storms, causing mold, mildew, and other expensive damage that may need professional cleaning.

10. CHECK FOR FOUNDATION CRACKS

On the topic of wet basements, it’s wise to periodically walk around your home — both inside and outside — to make sure there are no cracks in your basement that might allow water to come through. If you see something, say something by calling a professional to let you know whether it’s a harmless line in the wall or if it might lead to a watery catastrophe.

11. REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE POLICY

Not all insurance policies are created equal. It’s a great idea to contact your insurance agent once a year to update your policy and ask for a clear explanation about what’s included in your policy and what’s not.

The last thing you want is a surprise when disaster strikes and you learn that a certain thing, like water damage, wind damage, or drain clogs, isn’t covered.

12. FILL UP YOUR TANKS

It’s always a good idea to have fuel in your car in case you need to evacuate quickly or get out to handle a medical emergency. The last thing you want to do is stop for gas as you’re in an emergency situation amid a hurricane, so fill up those tanks before the storm comes so you’re ready to move if you must. 

13. STAY INDOORS!

That said, the best thing to do is to hunker down in your home unless your home is threatened by the storm (i.e. you live close to water and a storm surge flood is coming), or if there’s a medical emergency.

Otherwise, roads can become flooded, dangerous power lines can fall to the street, and other hazards appear during a storm that you don’t usually encounter otherwise. 

To avoid these hazards, prepare well, stay inside, and know that we’re working around the clock to get your life back to normal as soon as we possibly can! And remember, no line is safe to touch ever!