Hurricane Safety Tips from the Red Cross.

What should I do before a storm?

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).




• Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.




• Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).




• Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.




• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.




• Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.




• Fill your car’s gas tank.




• Talk with members of your household and create an evacuation plan. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.




• Learn about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for your pets to be cared for.




• Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.




• Because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S. For more information on flood insurance, please call our office for a quote.

What supplies do I need?

• Water—at least a 3­day supply; one gallon per person per day



• Food—at least a 3­day supply of non­perishable, easy­to­prepare food
  Flashlight



• Battery­powered or hand­crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)



• Extra batteries



• First aid kit



• Medications (7­day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)



• Multi­purpose tool



• Sanitation and personal hygiene items



• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)



• Cell phone with chargers



• Family and emergency contact information



• Extra cash



• Emergency blanket



• Map(s) of the area



• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)



• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)



• Tools/supplies for securing your home



• Extra set of car keys and house keys



• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes



• Rain gear



• Insect repellent and sunscreen



• Camera for photos of damage

What do I do after a hurricane?

• Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.



• Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.



• If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.



• Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed­out bridges.



• Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.



• Stay out of any building that has water around it.



• Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.



• Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.



• Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
  Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.



• Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.



• Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.



• Use the telephone only for emergency calls and stay posted with your insurance agent in case you have a claim to make.

Time to create a long-term financial strategy

We all have goals in life, right? Some goals we internalize, others we write down and yet there are others that seem to get swept under the rug to deal with at a later date. It’s the latter that we need to address today... those goals that seem to gently nag at us daily until we attack them head on or abandon them altogether.

A common example of one of those goals we put off is developing a long-term financial strategy to help give our families more security in the future. We know we should do it... but it takes time to do the research. It takes time to sift through the hundreds of options out there. It requires us to make the first move—to call an expert, stop in and speak to a financial professional, or inquire online. And quite frankly, it requires a financial commitment.

What’s holding you back... from protecting your loved ones and trying to secure their financial future? Really think about it. Is it the time commitment, the energy needed or the financial investment that prevents you from accomplishing your goal? Or maybe all of the above overwhelm you. Only you know what’s holding you back. Only you can stop that nagging voice in your head that directs you to do the right thing.

Believe it or not, life insurance is commonly overlooked as a vehicle that may provide financial security for your family. We can’t predict how stocks will perform or what interest rates will be next year, but we all know our time on earth is limited. Work with what you know and garner the protection you need to replace that nagging voice in your head with a new one that says I’ve got some peace of mind knowing that my family will be taken care of, just in case something happens.

Isn’t it amazing that we can spend a countless number of hours talking to family members or friends about the best kind of car to buy, researching prices and safety features in local newspapers and actually test driving the vehicles of our choice to ensure they will appropriately meet the needs of our family? Yet, we may put off taking care of our financial legacy. We might not bother trying to understand the options available to us.

Let's face it. Most of us are not experts when it comes to long-term financial management, so why not pick up the phone and get someone with expertise to help you get this one goal taken care of? Take advantage of the expertise of our own financial professional in the protection/retirement industry who will help ensure you get the right solutions to protect your family. And don’t think you can’t afford it. The bottom line is that you need to start attacking your goal.

So no more holding back. Not only will you feel better when you've checked this important goal off your list... but one day your family will be thankful that you did!