Hurricane preparation and safety tips for homeowners

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Hurricane preparation and safety tips for homeowners

Fast facts

5 of the 10 costliest hurricanes in U.S. history took place between 2017-2021. (iii link)
The average for the Atlantic hurricane season is 14 named storms and 7 hurricanes (NOAA link)

Prepare today

Create a family communications plan – Develop a family contact sheet with names, addresses and phone numbers of important contacts including doctors, schools and out-of-state family members. Keep an online backup available. (Need a place to start? Download a plan here.)
Make a home inventory – Insurance claims are processed 50% faster when an inventory is available.
Stay alert - Sign up for weather alerts.
Fix it up - Repair loose boards, shingles, shutters and downspouts.
Pet owners – research pet friendly hotels and shelters.

If a storm is coming

Stock up -
Battery-operated radio
Flashlights
Batteries
Medications
First aid kit
Non-perishable food and water (1 week’s worth)
Gas up - Fill your car and generator with gas and keep extra fuel handy in approved containers and in a safe location.
Park your car in the garage.
Move items inside – Outdoor items such as bikes and furniture may blow around during the storm and cause damage.
Store gas powered items outside - Do not store gas-powered articles inside your home; secure them outside.
Cover windows and doors - Use storm shutters or plywood nailed to window frames to protect windows.
Fill it up – Fill bathtubs and sinks with water to use for flushing and washing.
Raise it up – If you have valuables stored in a basement or an area of your home more prone to flooding, move the items to a higher location to reduce the chance of damage.
During the storm

Stay indoors – Keep away from windows and move to an interior room if possible. Wait to go outside until there is confirmation that the storm is no longer a threat to your area.
Listen to weather updates - Have a battery-operated radio handy in the event of a power outage.
Keep it cold – Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting and keep your refrigerator doors closed so food will stay as cold as possible in case the power goes out.

After the storm

Access and document damage – Take photos and video of any damage you can safely access prior to clean up.
Dry it up – If any area of your home flooded or got wet, dry the impacted items as best as you can to help avoid the growth of mold and mildew.
Be cautious when you go outside – Stay aware of downed power lines and any loose tree branches.
Save all receipts.
Call your insurance agent as soon as possible to start a claim.

How to report a claim

Online at www.hanover.com
Prestige claims:877-922-2774
Platinum policy service: 800-799-6977
General claims: 800-628-0250
By mobile app: Hanover mobile

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.