Hurricane safety guide: Ways to prepare, stay safe and recover from a storm

If you're currently affected by a storm, find up-to-date information at USAA's natural disaster center. You can review resources deployed to your area or report a claim.

Prepare

Stay Safe

Recover

Prepare

Have an evacuation plan.

Your number one priority during a hurricane or any natural disaster is to keep your family and yourself safe. If you're ordered to evacuate, do so. Having a mapped out and practiced evacuation plan can make it easier for you to leave your home safely and quickly.

Research shows that people who don't evacuate may lack transportation, may not have a plan for their pets, or may be reluctant due to potential costs of food or lodging. Knowing your plan and resources that you have available can make your evacuation plan more effective. Learn more about creating a plan with USAA's evacuation guide.

Have a disaster plan that includes buying the right supplies to build an emergency kit in case you have to evacuate. Put important financial, medical and legal documents in a safe place.

Check your insurance.

Hurricanes don't give a lot of warning, and as they get closer to landfall, insurance companies might temporarily suspend new coverage and coverage changes. That means it's usually a good idea to review your insurance coverage yearly before hurricane season – June 1 to November 30 – to make sure it matches your needs. When a storm hits, you want to be ready.

Know what your policy covers — and what it doesn't.

An insurance representative can review your policy, explain limits and deductibles, and help you identify coverage gaps. During your yearly coverage review, consider the following:

Do I live in a flood plain?

Most people associate hurricanes with wind damage, but when a hurricane happens, you're just as likely to experience a storm surge or sudden rise in sea level.

Covering losses from rising water, flood insurance isn't provided in normal homeowners insurance policies. But it's available from USAA through the National Flood Insurance Program. Premiums vary depending on how flood-prone the covered property is and how much coverage you want. Learn more about flood insurance. Usually flood insurance doesn't go into effect until 30 days after purchase, so don't wait until a flood happens.

Typically, homeowners insurance doesn't cover floods. But if you have a renters policy with USAA, flood insurance is covered.

Do I need coverage for windstorm damage?

Windstorm damage is covered with its own deductible in some homeowners insurance policies. However, a separate wind policy might be required in some places. Hurricane and windstorm damage in high-risk coastal areas may only be available through a state-managed insurance pool. It might also have a waiting period before coverage begins.

What should temporary living expenses cover?

We surveyed members following several hurricanes in the past. Many members revealed that they didn't have enough savings to cover out-of-pocket living expenses like groceries, clothes and medical costs.

Hurricanes can go from a Category 1 to 4 before you know it, and you want to be prepared. Review your policy's coverage for temporary living expenses. See how much your policy will pay and how long it will pay after the storm ends.

How to make your home storm-ready

Each year, USAA sponsors the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Federal Alliance of Safe Home (FLASH) #hurricanestrong campaign to offer tips and advice on preparing for a hurricane.

Heavy winds that come with a hurricane can potentially destroy your home if the roof is blown off or the garage door is blown in. But you can better protect your home with a few simple steps like installing roof and garage brackets.

You can use the FLASH Building Code Tool.^{See note1} The tool allows you to enter your address or ZIP code and learn about options for upgrading disaster safety.

Over time building code guidelines for homes are modernized to better protect against natural disasters. The FLASH tool can recommend some things you can do based off your code that can help you get your property up to a safer state.

Consider taking the following actions to prepare your home for a hurricane:

• Install protection for windows and doors, like impact-rated hurricane shutters and bracing for garage doors.
• Consider sealing your roof deck to lessen water damage to your home.
• Use impact-resistant roofing materials rated by UL 2218 or FM 4473 as a class 3 or 4.

Ask a licensed contractor to inspect your roof for signs of wear and tear — and replace it when needed.

Stay safe during a storm.

Protect your roof and windows.

Protect your roof. Close all windows and doors, including interior, exterior and garage doors. If a window or door is broken or blown open, the home could fill rapidly with air causing stress on your roof. For extra protection, cover your windows with storm shutters or plywood.

Divert water.

Protect your home from flowing water with sandbags.^{See note1} Clear debris from gutters, downspouts and storm drains. Make sure sump pumps are working, and charge their batteries. Secure or store any outdoor items to prevent loss or damage.

Prepare for power and utility outages.

Fill plastic bottles with clean water for drinking. Bathtubs and sinks can be filled with water for flushing the toilet or washing clothing.

Unplug small appliances and electronics to reduce potential power surges.

If you use a portable generator, make sure you have enough fuel and follow the manufacturer's instructions. For your safety, only use them outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Prepare for evacuation.

Prepare a survival kit.^{See note1} Your kit should include waterproof containers, drinking water, non-perishable foods, medications, and useful tools like flashlights, portable chargers and extra batteries. Have a full tank of gas in your vehicle if possible. Gather or inventory important documents and valuables.

Know your evacuation plan and route. Prepare a call tree with neighbors, friends and family members. Share your plans, where you plan to go and when you will check in. If you aren't able to find lodging, locate an open shelter.^{See note1}

Know what to do outside during a storm.

If there is a safe building nearby, get inside immediately.

Avoid bridges over fast-moving water, and don't walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Stay inside your car if it's trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.

Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and it only takes 12 inches of flowing water to sweep your vehicle away.

Remember, “turn around, don't drown.”

Know what to do inside during a storm.

If trapped in a flooded building, move to the highest level of the building. Don't climb into a closed attic. Only get on the roof if necessary, and once there signal for help.

When only experiencing high winds, go to a designated storm shelter, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor.

Recover from the storm.

Returning to your neighborhood

Be aware of fallen power lines, broken gas lines and dangerous materials. Report them immediately to the local power company.

Avoid floodwater because it can be deeper than you think and carry contaminants and dangerous debris. Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a vehicle.

Entering your home

Use caution when entering your home, and avoid bringing your children and pets until you're able to inspect your property. Be aware of sagging floors and ceilings. It means they're wet and may be heavy and dangerous.

Don't touch electrical equipment if it's wet or you're standing in water. If it's safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.

Use environmental precautions.

Protect yourself from harmful bacteria, airborne inhalation hazards and electrical hazards. Wear proper protective clothing such as rubber boots, respiratory protection, rubber gloves, goggles, and a head covering. For more information on protective clothing or gear, visit the CDC website on emergency response resources.^{See note1}

Protect yourself from infectious diseases by using insect repellent. Use antibiotic ointment for abrasions or cuts, and cover them up as best you can to avoid infections.

Inspect your property and assess the damage.

Property damage isn't always immediately evident. If property damage is found, file a claim. Take photos of any damage before you remove debris or make temporary repairs. Be sure to check for any signs of water leaks, especially in the ceilings.

If you need to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, save the receipts for reimbursement consideration. Avoid making permanent repairs until your claims adjuster has assessed damage.

You may need to take action right away to avoid further damage to your property. Only do what you can do safely on your own. Consider hiring professionals for anything else.

Roof or window damage

Protect your property from more damage by covering roof openings, broken windows or doors with tarps or plywood, and save receipts for what you spend.

After wind and rain, your roof might be damaged and leaking. Insurance doesn't typically cover the cost of an independent inspection, but it may still be worth hiring a licensed contractor to inspect your roof right away.

Water damage

If you have standing water in your basement and can pump the water out yourself, make sure you do it gradually to avoid structural damage. If the water is pumped out too quickly, pressure from the wet soil outside could cause basement walls to collapse.

Damaged sewage systems are health hazards. Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible.

It's important to dry out your home, including furniture and drywall, as soon as possible to avoid mold. Mold cleanup can be difficult and dangerous. Even though your flood policy may not cover the cost, consider hiring an experienced professional certified by the National Environmental Health Association or NEHA.

If you don't have flood insurance, you may qualify for disaster assistance through FEMA.^{See note1} They may be able to provide disaster assistance for things like medical and dental expenses, child care, essential household items, moving and storage, and some clean-up items.

Getting back on your feet following a storm can be stressful. Read more helpful tips to financially recover from the storm.