Six Last Minute Hurricane Prep Tips

With the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially underway, it's never too early or too late to start preparing your home and your family in the event a storm threatens to make landfall. While hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, storm activity normally peaks in August and September. 

By Cummins Inc., Global Power Technology Leader

Hurricane Prep Tips - Home during storm - Cummins

Earlier in the season, we shared ways you could start to prepare for hurricane season. In the face of imminent severe weather, there are still a number of ways to prepare now before a storm hits.

Here are six tips that you can take to help ensure the safety of your family and home as severe weather approaches. Of course, if your local city or state officials ask residents to evacuate and leave an area due to an incoming storm, it's always best to heed their advice. 

Secure Outdoor Furniture

Secure outdoor furniture including umbrellas or decor such as bird feeders and hanging plants, as they can become projectiles during high winds. Bring these items into your home or store in your garage. If you can’t move the items indoors, use a strong rope to tie them down. 

Move Your Vehicles

Falling trees or flying debris can damage cars during a hurricane or other severe weather. Try to position cars close to your home on the lesser side of expected winds and away from trees and power lines. This can help provide protection from the storm. 

Ensure Electronics are Fully Charged

Keep your cordless devices such as tools, flashlights, cell phones, laptops, tablets, cameras and portable electronic games charged and ready. Check out our tips for maximizing your smartphone battery. 

Keep the Windows Closed

Keep your blinds, curtains and shutters closed, as this reduces the chance of debris entering your home. This can also help keep glass out if a window shatters.

Do You Have the Right Insurance? 

Check your current flood insurance policy. Flood insurance typically takes 30 days to go into effect, so it may not be too late to purchase or upgrade your policy. 

Locate all Water and Gas Shutoff Valves

Severe hurricane damage can include power surges and ruptured gas or water lines, so it’s important to locate your cutoff switches and valves and know how to turn them off in the event of an emergency.

It is important to prepare for hurricane season every year, and having a plan for an extended power outage will help to circumvent a lot of issues you could face. Installing a generator or back-up power supply ensures you will have power in the event of an emergency. 

Prepare for the worst and have peace of mind during severe weather by installing a Cummins QuietConnect home standby generator.

Author Profiles

Cummins Office Building

Cummins Inc., Global Power Technology Leader

Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, comprises five business segments – Components, Engine, Distribution, Power Systems, and Accelera by Cummins – supported by its global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise. Cummins is committed to its Destination Zero strategy – the company’s commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products. Cummins has approximately 69,900 employees and earned $3.9 billion on sales of $34.1 billion in 2024. See how Cummins is leading the world toward a future of smarter, cleaner power at www.cummins.com.

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