Hurricanes named with the letter “E” approached faster than previous years. The record pace this year only breaks 2020’s hurricane season.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an increasingly active 2021 hurricane season.

So how should you prepare for hurricanes?

Hurricane damage can be avoided. Or in most places, preparing for storms can help minimize damage.

Florida has the third-largest population in the United States. That means there’s a lot of people who need to get ready for approaching storms. And that means it’s important to plan ahead.

Don’t worry. We’re here to help. We’re not worried, because we’ve endured hurricane seasons as long as we’ve been around.

So here’s our hurricane checklist to help make sure you don’t have to worry, either.

Supplies for Storm Preparation

Collecting necessary supplies is one of the easiest things to do, so it’s a great place to start.

Most of these things are non-perishable, and it’s common for families to stock up and stay ready throughout the whole season. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Water
• Non-perishable foods, like cans, boxed snacks, and things that won’t go bad
• Manual can-opener
• Flashlights (and batteries)
• First aid kit
• Back-up cell phone batteries
• Tools

Experts recommend a three-day supply of food and water, and at least one gallon of water a day per person.

But in addition to the necessities, we recommend including fail-safe boredom tactics in case the power goes out for a while. You might want to consider adding in a combination of:

• Puzzles
• Cards
• Coloring books
• Board games

You might have a lot of these items laying around. But in case you don’t, it’s a good time to take stock. We recommend finding a durable, large container to store these.

Safe-Proof Your Home to Avoid Hurricane Damage

Securing your home is an integral part of how to prepare for hurricanes. Like an emergency list, there are supplies you can collect in advance.

Even if a storm is a low category, it’s good to have these even if you don’t end up using them this time. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Plywood for windows and doors
• Fabric panels or forms of insulation
• Flood barriers, like sand bags
• Garage door braces
• Hardware to install and remove the material
• A generator

And when you look for these supplies, it’s important to make sure you get the right hardware. You’ll want the bolts and screws holding your plywood or shutters strong enough to outlast a storm. We recommend this last-minute hurricane fastener kit. You can store that with the rest of your hurricane prep kit.

If you have storage space, these things can be purchased in advance and stored as long as needed.

What to Clean to Prepare for Hurricanes

H2: What to Clean to Prepare for Hurricanes

We’re not talking about Sunday cleaning.

There are several things that can make a huge difference in avoiding storm damage. As you cross things off of your hurricane preparedness list, you’ll want to consider tackling these tasks:

• Trim trees and shrubbery
• Clean and clear gutters
• Secure garbage cans and any free-standing objects
• Drain some water from your pool

Doing these ahead of time can save you from damage that lasts long after a storm passes.

Trimming trees avoids broken branches that might fly into something. Clearing gutters and draining water helps avoid floods and water damage. Free-standing objects have the chance to not fly away or into something, like your car.

Get Ready for Hurricanes Before They Happen

Knowing how to prepare for hurricanes can be overwhelming. Even if you grew up going to hurricane parties, a good reminder never hurts.

So grab your supplies, secure your home, and make sure your exterior can’t damage something it doesn’t mean to. Fill up on gas and grab some toilet paper, but remember: it usually seems a lot scarier than it is.

If you’re worried about your rental property, there are some ways to have a handle on that, too. Read more about how to find the right people to help keep your investment property safe.