As hurricane season approaches, residents of Riverhead, NY must take proactive steps to safeguard their homes and families. While Long Island may not face hurricanes as frequently as southern coastal regions, the area is still vulnerable to powerful storms, heavy rainfall and storm surges.
Tips to Prepare for Hurricane Season
The following tips can help prepare your home for hurricane season:
- Inspect and fortify your home. Start by checking your roof for loose shingles or signs of wear. Reinforce garage doors and windows with storm shutters or plywood. Keep trees trimmed and promptly remove dead branches that could become projectiles in high winds. Secure outdoor furniture, grills and other loose items that could be swept away or cause damage.
- Check your drainage systems. Clear gutters, downspouts and storm drains to help water flow away from your home. Improper drainage can cause basement flooding and structural damage. Consider getting a sump pump installed with a battery backup.
- Create an emergency kit. Prepare a kit with essentials such as bottled water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, medications and important documents. Include supplies for pets and a portable phone charger.
- Develop a family emergency plan. Verify that all family members know the evacuation routes and have a communication plan in case you get separated. Identify a safe room in your home, preferably an interior room without windows, where you can shelter during the storm.
- Consider flood insurance. Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage. Look into purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. It’s best to act early, as policies often take 30 days to go into effect.
Learn More
For flood insurance near you, contact Lupton & Luce.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.