The 2020 hurricane season is only a few weeks away, making now the time to prepare. Your house and watercraft are probably two of your most valuable possessions. They are also two of the most vulnerable to tropical storms, hurricanes and other natural disasters. Protect your house and watercraft with proper storm precautions and hurricane preparedness.

Here’s our full guide on hurricane preparedness for the 2020 season.

HOMEOWNER HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS TIPS

Before securing your boat in advance of a hurricane, make sure your home and family are safe. We have rounded up some basic, but vital steps to prepare yourself, your family, and your home for a hurricane. Please find them below:

• Register for your community’s alert system. This is a simple and effective way to ensure quick notice of a hurricane watch or warning via text or email.
• Prepare a disaster supply kit with the supplies you’ll need if you lose power and did not to evacuate.
• If you are advised to evacuate, know where to go and how to get there. Local evacuation routes will be available from your local emergency management agency.
• Create an emergency communication plan for your household.
• Trim the trees around your home before the start of hurricane season.
• Secure all water pipes throughout your property to prevent water damage.
• Purchase a portable generator.

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BOAT AND PWC INSURANCE

If you are in a hurricane-prone area, it is important to protect your watercraft with boat insurance that provides for storm and flood coverage in case of a natural disaster, just as you would protect your home with homeowner's insurance. 

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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK (May 3^rd – May 9^th)

The National Weather Service has designated May 3^rd- 9^th as Hurricane Preparedness Week. Each day provides an action item that will help you prepare for a potential hurricane. We’ve compiled some tips and ideas for preparing your watercraft for a hurricane during this important week.

Sunday, May 3^rd - Determine Your Risk

Today is all about understanding what kind of hazards your boat may be subject to. Your preparation and approach may vary based on how your watercraft is stored. In addition, the location of your boat may make it susceptible to a potential storm surge and flooding or wind. 

Monday, May 4^th – Develop an Evacuation Plan

If you plan to store or haul your boat in the event of a storm, use this day to verify those plans and identify any other actions needed. If kept afloat, secure the boat with extra lines and fenders to help protect it in the event of a storm.

Consider storing your watercraft at a marina or storage facility for more security. Your insurance may contribute to the cost of hauling your boat out and relaunching it after the windstorm has passed.  

Tuesday, May 5^th – Assemble Disaster Supplies

Every prudent mariner should organize all supplies before hurricane season. Now is the time to make sure you have extra lines to secure your boat, fenders, and any other materials that will be necessary aboard the boat in advance of a storm. If your boat is trailered, confirm that all equipment is operational and accessible. 

Wednesday, May 6^th – Check Your Insurance

Call your insurance company to verify that you are protected and familiar with the terms of your coverage before a storm hits. If you haven’t yet insured your boat, do so here. 

Thursday, May 7^th – Examine Boat Contents

Take stock of all unattached property aboard the boat. Identify anything that should be removed, tied down or otherwise accounted for in advance of a storm and obtain the necessary supplies. Flooding and wind can also damage the inside of your boat!

Friday, May 8^th – Help Your Neighbor

Help other boaters prepare for hurricane season as well. Share your protection plans with each other. It is always smart to trade tips with a fellow boater. 

Saturday, May 9^th – Complete a Written Plan

For more on hurricane preparedness visit The National Weather Service.