Stand Insurance · Preparedness guide

Hurricane & windstorm preparedness.

Hurricanes can quickly become life-threatening and cause serious hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds, and tornadoes. Here is what to do to keep you and your loved ones safe.

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Before a hurricane

Protect your family

Make sure you have access to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) radio broadcasts:

Find a NOAA radio station online.
Search for a NOAA radio app in the Apple Store or on Google Play.
Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA radio.

Be prepared to evacuate quickly

Follow all emergency mandates, including evacuation orders. Locate a local emergency shelter ahead of time and know your routes and safe destinations. Pack a safety kit with basic requirements such as:

Supplies of food, water, necessary medications, and cash in small bills (ATMs and card readers may fail during power outages).
Extra clothing — in case you must evacuate.
Flashlights, cell phones, charging options, portable radios, and extra batteries.
A first aid kit.
Pet supplies — food, carrier, leash, medications, and vaccination records (many shelters require them).

Protect your home

Cover windows with permanent storm shutters or invest in one-half-inch marine plywood that is pre-cut to fit your doors and windows.
Identify a place to store lawn furniture, toys, gardening tools, and trash cans that is away from stairs and exits — high winds can throw them and hurt someone.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding and unnecessary pressure on your awnings.
Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors in your home.
Turn off utilities — if told to do so by authorities — to prevent damage to your home or within the community.

Unplug small appliances to reduce potential damage from possible power surges.
Keep all vehicles well-fueled in case of evacuation — power failures render gas pumps inoperable.
Store insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe place less likely to flood, such as a safe-deposit box or waterproof container — and keep scanned or cloud copies so you have quick access if you evacuate.
Take a few minutes to document the contents of your home with digital pictures or video, and create a room-by-room inventory list if possible.

During a hurricane

Stay safe while the storm is on you

Use flashlights in the dark if the power goes out (do not use candles).
Continue listening to local-area radio, NOAA radio, or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
Avoid contact with floodwater — it may be contaminated with sewage or contain dangerous insects or animals.
Turn off the power and water mains if instructed to do so by local authorities.
Stay indoors, away from windows and glass doors, in an interior room on the lowest non-flood-prone level.
Do not go outside during the "eye" of the storm. The calm is temporary — dangerous winds return from the opposite direction.

After a hurricane

Follow safety guidelines after the storm has passed

If evacuated, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
Keep all receipts for out-of-pocket expenses.
Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.

Return home safely

Keep away from loose or dangling power lines. Report them to the power company immediately.
Inspect your home's structure, utilities, and systems after a hurricane.
Take pictures of home damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
Operate generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the home and away from windows and vents — carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly.
Wear protective gear — gloves, boots, and a mask — during cleanup, and watch for mold after any water intrusion.