The Southeast Prepares for Hanna

As of 5 a.m. Friday, Tropical Storm Hanna was located 430 miles South of Wilmington, North Carolina. Hurricane experts expect Hanna to strengthen only slightly before it makes landfall later tonight or early Saturday morning. Hanna’s projected path shows it making landfall somewhere around the South Carolina/North Carolina state border.

Homeowners that live anywhere on the South Carolina and North Carolina coast should keep an eye on Hanna and prepare as best they can for the effects of the storm. (See Hurricane Preparedness Tips). As ther National Weather Center keeps reminding us, the point of landfall is not the only area that will see the tropical storm force conditions.

Although Hanna appears to hit as either a strong tropical storm or weak category 1 hurricane, damage and flooding from the storm can still be substantial. As home insurance professionals we have seen some of the most devastating structural damages from major storms. Homeowners and renters alike should prepare their home by doing the following:

• secure any outdoor furniture
• remove any dead trees/debris that may pose a threat to your home’s structure
• reinforce shutters, doors and windows
• monitor storm and board up windows if wind speeds are substantial
• If you have a basement or home that sits in a flood plain, protect furniture/electronics that may be in danger of flood damage

Stay Safe!

Your Agent@HomeInsurance.com