{"id":2444,"date":"2020-07-10T15:36:29","date_gmt":"2020-07-10T15:36:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quincymutual.com\/blog\/?p=2444"},"modified":"2023-11-07T16:02:21","modified_gmt":"2023-11-07T16:02:21","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-a-hurricane","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quincymutual.com\/blog\/how-to-prepare-for-a-hurricane\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare for a Hurricane"},"content":{"rendered":"

This year, experts are predicting a stronger than average hurricane season with as many as <\/span>19 possible storms<\/span><\/a> over the next several months. We\u2019re likely to see the peak of the season from August through September, making now the perfect time to prepare for a potential storm. Even though we typically do not experience the eye of the hurricane up here in New England, there is a possibility for <\/span>any storm named in the Bahamas to travel up the coast<\/span><\/a>, bringing the danger of extreme wind and rain. It only takes one strong storm to cause severe damage and devastating flooding to an area, so it\u2019s important to make an emergency plan, assemble an emergency kit, and stay informed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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To help keep yourself, your family, and your home safe this hurricane season, here are a few things you can do long before a storm hits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Know your surroundings<\/b><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just coastal towns and cities that experience the effects of tropical storms and hurricanes. In Massachusetts and surrounding states, there are designated hurricane evacuation zones depending on your risk for storm surge flooding. In the event of a hurricane, it\u2019s important to know which zone you\u2019re located in so you have plenty of time to seek safety ahead of the storm. You can learn more about Zone A, B, and C <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to where you\u2019re located geographically, you should also be aware of the elevation level of your property and whether or not it is flood-prone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Educate yourself<\/b><\/p>\n

No matter how prepared you and your home are, you should still stay up to date with the news. Having advanced warning of a storm is crucial when it comes to staying safe. Update yourself and your family on the difference between a hurricane watch, which is when hurricane conditions are possible in your area within 36 hours, and a hurricane warning, which is when hurricane conditions are expected in your area within 24 hours. You should also learn the different types of <\/span>emergency alert resources available<\/span><\/a> in the event you lose power.<\/span><\/p>\n

Create a plan<\/b><\/p>\n

Having an <\/span>emergency plan<\/span><\/a> in place for natural disasters can be life-saving. If you don\u2019t already have one, here are a few steps to get started:<\/span><\/p>\n