The summer season is in full swing on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The grills are fired up, crawfish boils are a weekly, if not daily, occurrence, the sun is shining, the weather is warm (hot!), and the beaches are as beautiful as always. However, the start of the summer season on the Gulf Coast means one more thing—hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, and it is important to be prepared throughout the entire season in case a storm decides to come our way. 

The month of June is also National Homeownership Month. One way to celebrate homeownership is to make sure your home is well prepared to go toe-to-toe with a potential hurricane's surging rains, high-impacting winds, and devastating floods. Here is a pre- and post-hurricane preparedness plan. 

Before a Storm 

• Take Note of Your Belongings – Document every single room in your house. Take photos and videos, open every closet and every drawer, porch, patio, pool area, or storage building. Also capture model and serial numbers of your belongings. Insurance adjusters will ask for a list of contents when evaluating your loss.
• Have Your Agent on Speed Dial – Store the phone numbers and web addresses for your insurance agent and/or carrier in your phone for easy access.
• Review Your Coverages – Schedule an appointment with your agent and review your coverages. Be sure you are properly insured before a potential loss occurs.
• Protect Your Property – Trim trees and shrubs around your home to minimize the risk of branches or debris causing damage during high winds. Reinforce windows and doors with shutters or plywood, and secure outdoor furniture or equipment that could become airborne.
• Secure Backup Power – Consider investing in a portable generator to ensure a reliable source of electricity during power outages. Familiarize yourself with the proper usage and safety guidelines for generators.
• Prepare for Evacuation – If evacuation orders are issued, be ready to leave promptly. Plan your evacuation route and know the locations of designated shelters along the way. Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition and has a full tank of gas.
• Stock Up on Essentials – Be sure your household is stocked up on all the essentials, including food and water, first aid and medications, tools and supplies, sanitation supplies, clothing and bedding, baby needs, pet needs, and entertainment.
• Stay Informed – Stay tuned to local news and weather updates to track the progress of a hurricane. Sign up for emergency alerts or download relevant smartphone applications to receive timely information. 

After a Storm 

• File a Claim (if necessary) – File a claim early! This should be done as soon as the storm has passed. 
• Remain Patient – A significant number of insureds may have been affected, and everyone wants his or her claim to be a priority.
• Take Note of Your Belongings – Separate damaged from undamaged contents, and don't throw anything away until your adjuster has inspected your property. Photos and videos are so important! Make sure to document everything again, post-storm, especially those items that are not salvageable.
• Review Your Coverages – Review your homeowners insurance policy again. Work in tandem with your insurance agent and adjuster. Their job is to ensure your coverages are provided per your policy to get your property back to its pre-loss status. 

Remember, preparedness is key when it comes to hurricanes. Since we do live on the Alabama Gulf Coast, we are acclimated to the annual hurricane season, and we may not take it as seriously as we should. Too many times, families are not properly prepared for a storm and are burdened with problems that could have been prevented had they taken the necessary steps to protect their family and home beforehand. By following this preparedness plan and staying informed, you can help safeguard your family and property during this year's season. Stay safe and happy summer! 

Interested in homes for sale in Mobile and Baldwin counties? Contact one of our agents today for any of your real estate needs.