Preparing for South Florida’s Above Average 2022 Hurricane Season

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Hurricane season is just over a month away and weather and climate researchers are beginning to make projections about the storms ahead. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will announce their official detailed storm tracking in May. While we wait to hear more about the named storm, we know it is important to reflect on what the community can do to properly prepare.

Evacuation Tips

It isn’t overstated just how important evacuation and hurricane prep kits can be. The days and a couple of weeks preceding a major hurricane can create short supply, traffic issues, and general delays. Do you have an evacuation plan in place? If your evacuation plan requires driving, do you have a serviced and reliable car? Do you have a plan for any pets and animals? Plan beyond only having a first aid kit and flashlights, medicine, water, and food. It is helpful to consider the potential aftermath and things you need in a prolonged storm recovery period. Find your evacuation route. For help building a plan, use a digital copy of the SERVPRO of West Palm Beach free hurricane preparedness guide, by submitting a request here.

Review Your Insurance and Acquiring More

While most people have certain protections from storm damage in their homeowners’ policies, protection for your personal and real property can come in many forms. Consider acquiring additional flood insurance to add to your National Flood Insurance Plan coverage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency estimates that just one inch of water throughout a home could result in an average of $25,000. While it is important to understand every claim and water damage event will vary in cost and severity. When preparing for a storm, review your policy documents, take inventory of your real and personal property, and discuss your current coverage with an insurance agent.

Reinforcements & Resources

Don’t wait until substantial storm damage occurs to scramble for disaster resources. Locate numbers to local resources such as the Palm Beach County Fire Department, electric and utility teams, and county and state alerts ahead of a storm. Predetermine who can assist with water, fire, or mold damage. Select an IICRC-certified restoration and reconstruction team, like SERVPRO of West Palm Beach.

What to Know About SERVPRO

SERVPRO has a national Disaster Recovery Team to address major storm events. Teams are dispatched from all over the country during a large storm event to ensure that our community members are taken care of quickly and efficiently. We have the capacity and labor force to handle any size loss. We help ensure a more streamlined claims process. Remember SERVPRO of West Palm Beach’s 24/7 emergency services when planning this hurricane season.