Bouchard Insurance Blog The Time to Plan for Hurricane Season is NOW!

It's hard to believe that the 2020 Hurricane Season officially starts today. Weather experts are predicting an active season. As if that's not enough to handle, add COVID-19 to the mix and the potential for a double disaster scenario quickly becomes a potential reality. Hurricane season is the same time every year, June 1st through November 30th. If you are anything like me, you know it's coming, but you don't start to prepare until it's "really coming". This is not the year to wait to plan. Remember the old sports adage - "The best offense is a great defense!"We've compiled a list of supplies, food, and other essentials to keep in your disaster preparedness kit to keep you and your family safe in the event of a hurricane.Key SuppliesWater | 1 gallon per person per day. We suggest planning for at least 5 days. So, for a family of 4, you would need 20 gallons to last 5 days.First Aid Kit | Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, hand sanitizers, and any necessary medications and prescriptionsFlashlight | Remember some extra batteries!Tool Kit | Hammer, wrench, pliers, nails, screws, screwdriver, and knife.Sanitation Products | Toilet paper, paper towels, moist toilettes, garbage bags, and hand sanitizer.Household Chlorine Bleach (unscented) and medicine dropper | When diluted to 9 parts water and 1 part bleach, it can be used as a disinfectant. 16 drops per gallon of water can be used to treat water. Be sure to add additional water for cleaning purposes.Important Family Documents | insurance policies, identification, bank records, etc.FoodWe recommend at least a five-day supply of nonperishable food that requires no refrigeration and little preparation.Dry CerealCanned Goods (don't forget the can opener!) | fruits, vegetables, juice, soups, meats, pasta, beansPeanut ButterBreadCrackersGranola barsUnrefrigerated fruits: apples, oranges, bananas, grapesPet foodBaby food and bottlesOther EssentialsRain gearDuct tapeAluminum foilMosquito repellentGrill, charcoal, lighter, lighter fluidCash | Businesses may reopen before power is restored which means credit cards will not be able to be used, only cash, for purchases.Dish soapPaper plates, cups, and plastic utensilsPet supplies | Leash, collar, food bowls, water, and be sure that their microchip information is up to date.Baby diapers, wipes, and rash ointmentPrepare Your HomeWe have many resources to help you prepare you home before, during and after the storm that can be found here.The CDC has a full Family Emergency Checklist to prepare your family for a hurricane and other emergencies.Being prepared for hurricane season doesn't take out all the stress, but it sure does help you sleep at night knowing that you are as ready as you can be! Now is the time to start. At Bouchard Insurance, we want to make sure our community is as equipped as we can be! Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. We're always here to help!ABOUT THE AUTHORKristie Pauly is the Vice President of Personal Lines at Bouchard Insurance. Kristie's team focuses on protecting individual's assets through all lines of personal insurance. | Connect on LinkedIn