As someone who has lived on the Gulf Coast for close to thirty years getting ready for a hurricane can range from buying bottled water to boarding up windows of your house. In my younger days it may have included being irresponsible and attending hurricane parties. Now with three children and a lovely wife, my hurricane party days are over. If you plan on riding out a hurricane while living on the Gulf Coast I would recommend the following:
- At least 5 gallons of bottled water
- I'd recommend at least three days of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Several bags of ice – Id even consider buying 4-5 bags now and storing in a backup freezer if you have one
- Manual can opener for food
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
You may think that if you have your Hurricane survival kit ready to go that you are ready for Hurricane Isaac. In my best Lee Corso voice, "Not so fast, my friend". What you don't see mentioned enough when it comes to hurricane preparations is how to be prepared to make a Hurricane claim on your insurance policy. If you haven't already, I'd recommend taking photos (Cell Phone photos would work) of each room in your house from different angles. I would take the time to take pictures of your closets, media area, and your kid's toys. The great thing about taking the time to document your belongings, is that you will most likely only need to do it once. Once you have documented your belongings, you will have the confidence that your insurance claim won't be denied based upon a lack of documentation.
Please, before you go to bed tonight spend 20-30 minutes taking pictures of your belongings. In the event that Hurricane Isaac causes catastrophic damages throughout the Gulf Coast, the last thing you want to worry about is being able to document your potential insurance claim. Make sure you are completely ready for hurricane season, protect your family's future by spending the time to document your property.
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