Get Those Impact Windows Ready: 5 Tips for Hurricane Season Readiness

If you live in an area that is prone to experience inclement weather during the summer season, you should most definitely have a plan in place in the event of a major storm. Experts at Colorado State University have predicted an active 2010 hurricane season, one that is anticipated to surpass last year's nine tropical storms. Preparing for a hurricane can help alleviate damage to your home or business and is the best way to keep you and your family safe. When it comes to preparing your home or small business for a potential hurricane, there are some very important safety tips that must be followed.

1) The first thing you should do to prepare for an impending storm is to have a well-stocked emergency kit. A typical emergency kit's supplies include: a two-week supply of non-perishable food and water, a flashlight, batteries, and a fully stocked first-aid kit. It's also a good idea to have more first-aid kits on hand at your home and business.

2) If you don't have impact resistant windows or shutters, you should seriously consider making the investment. Hurricane windows are the ultimate way to protect your home because they don't require you put them up and take them down and they must pass stringent guidelines to be classified as impact windows.

3) Another important thing to do is create a disaster plan. You should determine the safest room or place in your home to seek shelter and also pin-point the safest place to seek shelter outside your home. Familiarize yourself with all possible evacuation routes and practice your evacuation plan. Map out where local shelters are and make a plan for your pets in case there is an evacuation.

4) You should also review your homeowner's insurance policy. In many cases, flood damage isn't covered, which can be quite a problem if you live in an area that is prone to hurricane weather. This tip is especially important for small business owners, who should take the time to ensure their businesses are properly insured for any impending disaster. This might include adding flood insurance and "business interruption insurance" which can cover any expenses accrued during recovery efforts.

5) Small business owners should also create their own business disaster plan. The plan should have a strategy for temporary relocation of business operations should a storm wreak havoc on your main office. You should have a list of all employee's contact information, including their emergency contact info, in the event of not being able to reach them.

All in all, it's better to be safe than sorry when preparing for hurricane season. By arming your home with impact windows or shutters, having an emergency kit, and making business arrangements, you're already one huge step ahead of other unprepared individuals. Good luck and be safe this hurricane season!