Hurricane Prep Hacks You Should Not Ignore This Season

May is Hurricane Preparedness Month, a timely reminder for individuals, families, and businesses to take proactive steps in safeguarding lives and property before the onset of the hurricane season, which begins on June 1.

“As hurricanes become more frequent and severe due to changing climate patterns, the need for adequate and timely preparation is more critical than ever. Being prepared makes a big difference in helping to protect your home and belongings in addition to your family’s well-being,” said Dorothea Ziadie, Senior Manager, Technical Underwriting, JN General Insurance.

“Preparing well in advance of a hurricane, such as fixing a damaged roof, can greatly lessen the impact on your home or business by preventing costly repairs and thus allowing for a quicker recovery. Taking early actions will provide peace of mind and strengthen your ability to bounce back quickly after the hurricane,” she added.

Although most people know the basics of hurricane preparation, such as stocking up on food and water, securing the roof, clearing drains and gullies, storing extra batteries for radio and flashlight and reviewing insurance coverage, there are several lesser-known preparation tips that can help to make a big difference when a hurricane hits.

The insurer shares seven uncommon but critical tips to boost hurricane readiness and ease the recovery process:

1. Photograph Everything Before the Storm
Take clear, dated photos of your home’s interior and exterior including furniture, appliances, electronics, and structural features before a hurricane hits. If you ever need to file an insurance claim, these photos will help prove the pre-storm condition of your property and belongings.

2. Freeze Water Bottles and Use Them Like Ice Packs
Fill empty plastic bottles with water and freeze them. If the power goes out, they will keep your fridge and freezer colder longer, and once melted, they double as backup drinking water.

3. Withdraw Emergency Cash
If power and internet services go down after a hurricane, ATMs and card machines may not work for days. Having a small stash of emergency cash on hand can be crucial for buying kerosine oil, petrol, food, and other essential supplies when digital payments are not possible.

4. Scan and Store Important Documents Digitally
Scan IDs, insurance policies, medical records, academic records and banking info, and save on a USB drive or a secure cloud storage platform, in case your physical copies get lost or damaged.

5. Stock Up on Disposable Plates, Cups, and Cutlery
During and after a hurricane, access to clean, running water may be limited or even unavailable for several days. In such situations, every drop of stored water becomes valuable for drinking, basic hygiene, and sanitation. One simple but highly effective way to conserve your water supply is to use disposable plates, cups, and utensils to avoid stored water for washing dishes. Opt for eco-friendly or biodegradable options to minimise environmental impact.

6. Keep a Stack of Old Newspapers
Do not underestimate the usefulness of old newspapers during a hurricane. They can be a surprisingly handy resource in a variety of emergency situations. Use them to absorb water on the floor or line damp surfaces to help soak up moisture and prevent mold buildup. They are also great for wrapping fragile items for safe keeping.

7. Stock Up on Large Garbage Bags
Extra-large garbage bags are one of the most versatile and underrated items to include in a hurricane prep kit. Beyond their obvious use for waste disposal, these heavy-duty bags can double as emergency raincoats, waterproof covers for important belongings, or even temporary cover for leaking roofs and broken windows.

“These often-overlooked tips can play a vital role in protecting your home or business from unexpected damage and disruptions. By incorporating these simple yet effective measures into your hurricane preparedness plan, will boost your readiness for a hurricane,” Mrs Ziadie maintains.

She further pointed out that Colorado State University has predicted an above-average 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, with 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 expected to reach major hurricane status.