Foremost Insurance Group | Foremost Insurance supports Hurricane Preparedness Week

Grand Rapids, MI – Foremost^® Insurance urges all coastal residents to take this week, May 23 to May 29, to get prepared before a hurricane threatens their home.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs June 1 through November 30. “Weather forecasters are predicting above-average activity this year,” says Ron Vlasblom, East regional claims manager for HelpPoint^® Claim Services. “Now is the time to start preparing. Planning ahead helps avoid the panicked rush to buy basic supplies when a hurricane threatens an area and supply availability may be quite limited.”

Hurricane preparedness starts by securing the structure of the home.

Have a plan to protect all exterior windows and doors. Whether it’s a permanent solution like storm shutters, or a temporary solution like plywood, make sure that every window and door is able to be reinforced during a hurricane. Consider purchasing plywood ahead of time.
Check and secure any loose shingles. High winds can lift loose shingles up and start a peeling domino effect of the roof cover.
Seal any cracks or holes in the exterior of the home. Water can seep into the openings where wires, cables and pipes enter the house.
Limit any potential for flying debris. Trim dead or broken branches from trees and limit objects in the yard to lessen the potential for wind-blown projectiles.

It’s also important to gather or restock disaster survival supplies in advance. Have at least:

A three-day supply of non-perishable foods and special dietary foods.
One gallon of drinking water per person per day for three days.
Flashlights for every person and extra batteries.
A portable radio and batteries.
A first aid book and kit, including any prescriptions, insect repellent and sunscreen.
Two coolers, one for food, the other to hold ice.
Tools, garbage bags, screening and plastic tarps for roof or window repair.
Copies of personal documents (proof of address, deed/title/lease to home, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies).
A camera for damage photos.
Infant care items, such as diapers, formula and plastic bags, if necessary.
Pet supplies, if necessary.
Extra clothing, shoes and a spare pair of eyeglasses.
Bedding, like a sleeping bag and pillow, for every family member.

All residents should also devise an evacuation plan before the start of hurricane season. Map out a few different routes, in case one way in blocked or still in the path of the storm and create a household contact list to inform other family members of the intended evacuation and safe arrival.

For more hurricane preparedness information, including detailed evacuation tips, visit the severe events page of Foremost.com.

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