Is Your Home Ready For Hurricane Season?

Now that summer is in full swing, most of us are busy enjoying picnics, barbecues, pool days and other outdoor activities with friends and loved ones. You may have worked hard all spring to make your home an ideal location for summer fun, but amidst all your activities, make a last minute check to ensure you are protected for this year’s hurricane season.  Whether you are in the process of buying a home or are an established homeowner, you want to take the necessary precautions to ensure you and your loved ones are safe in the event a major storm hits.

The 2016 Hurricane Season

After the impact of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, many of us our painfully aware of the havoc and damages a hurricane can bring to our region. While the years since Sandy have not seen any dramatic activity in our state, the 2016 hurricane season could bring another major storm to the state of New York. According to the Weather Network, this year’s season, which began June first and runs through the fall, is gearing up to be potentially more active in previous years due to warmer than usual waters in the equatorial Pacific. Stronger El Nino patterns could result in as many as 18 tropical storms occurring over the summer and early fall, with up to 11 being categorized as actual hurricanes.

Preparing Your Home For A Hurricane

It is never too early or too late to prepare your home in the event of a hurricane. According to the National Hurricane Center, there are some basic steps to ensure you and your home are ready in the event a storm is headed our way:

• Gather information. Get as much information as you can regarding expected hurricane impacts in your area, such as flooding and storm surge levels.
• Keep a list of contact information handy in the event of an emergency, such as your local fire, police, hospitals, and Red Cross.
• Check with your property insurance agent to update any coverage you have and keep these documents in a safe place.
• Do a risk assessment of your property, eliminating any loose tree limbs, fixing unsecured gutters, and attending to any similar maintenance projects that need to be taken care.

In addition to the above, have an emergency plan in place in the event a hurricane strikes. Develop a plan on where your family will meet in the event you are separated, as well as what you will do to provide for any pets. Pack a basic disaster supplies kit, including bottled water, ready to eat food supplies, a transistor radio, first aid kit, a flashlight, and extra batteries. Familiarize yourself with the meaning of the warning and watch system used by the National Weather Service, so that you can respond appropriately to events as they occur in your particular area.

Let Us Assist You Today

At Cavallo & Cavallo, our experienced New York real estate attorneys are always looking out for your best interests. As your neighborhood law firm, we are here to answer your questions and concerns about all aspects of home buying and ownership. With offices in the Bronx and Westchester, we provide the legal representation you need to ensure your most valuable assets are protected. Call or contact our office online today for a free consultation.