by Martin W. Schwartz

Created on: March 20, 2006   Last Updated: April 14, 2007

Before a hurricane strikes you should have at least a week's supply of non-perishable food and bottled water for you and your family, including pets.

Make sure you have a shelter in your home, either a basement or an interior room with four walls, such as a bathroom. If you are unsure about a shelter, then store your provisions in a low lying place - perhaps digging a hole in your yard and covering it - and evacuate to a public shelter in your area.

If you have hurricane shutters close them tightly and remove breakable objects to the center of your strongest room or the basement. Keep small things away from windows and doors. Turn off your gas at the source coming into the house (call the gas company) and disconnect and remove from near your house any propane tanks, such as for barbecues.

The best way to prove a loss is to take a video or digital photos of your property and its contents, with a newspaper in the picture to show the correct date. Take the video or camera memory card with you to shelter. When the hurricane passes and you are able to contact your insurance company, inform them that you have a video or digital photos to prove your loss and arrange for them to make a copy.

ALWAYS KEEP THE ORIGINAL.

Below is a link to a comprehensive site for hurricane preparedness:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/di saster_prevention.shtml

Good luck and hopefully the hurricane will pass you by.

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