7 Tips to Prepare for the Hurricane Season
Ray Cogan
With the 2021 Hurricane Season approaching, here are some tips to prepare you and your family for such an event.
The Hurricane Season typically picks up towards the end of Summer into the Fall. While we're up in Maryland and don't experience strong hurricanes with much regularity, there is plenty of reason for you to have a plan in the event one makes landfall nearby.
The team at Lindquist Insurance has put together a list of 7 different tips to get you thinking ahead. Being ready for a hurricane can make the difference, especially after seeing how quickly grocery stores can be wiped clean of necessary supplies over the last year.
While this list isn't exhaustive, we hope it serves as a bit of a starting point for you. If you have tips you'd like to share, please leave them below in the comments. Without further ado - let's start off with our list!
1. Check your first aid kit for expired products (or buy a first aid kit!)
A first aid kit is incredibly important to have, but make sure yours that's been sitting around doesn't have expired products. Acetaminophen and similar OTC drugs have an expiration date, and Band-Aids may lose some of their stickiness with time. By making sure your first aid kit is ready for action, you can feel secure in knowing that it'll be ready for you when you need it. We'd recommend checking your first aid kit annually. Set a recurring reminder on your phone's calendar app!
2. Make sure you have batteries, flashlights, and maybe a portable charger or two in-case of power outages.
Flashlights are no good with dead batteries! Make sure you'll have access to fresh batteries so you'll have the ability to see if the power goes out at night. In a similar vein, portable chargers may be useful not just to power your cell phones flash feature, but keep in contact with friends and family that want to make sure you're okay.
3. Prepare an evacuation plan.
Over the past few decades, there are a handful of storms that have displaced Maryland residents from their homes. While it isn't likely, it is a distinct possibility that you might want to think ahead on. Do you have some family that lives further inland, or maybe an old friend? It may be worth having a conversation about the storm season and whether or not they might be willing to spare a room or couch in the event that you and your family decide it's in your best interest to leave your home. With the right insurance coverage, and the ability to take important documents and photos with you, your safety comes first. Everything else is replaceable.
4. Audit the Outside of Your Home!
5. Drinking Water Tips.While it may not be common knowledge, different building materials have different weak points when it comes to extreme weather events. While shingles and siding might seem like obvious weak points, brick can turn porous with the combination of rain and high wind speeds. While there may not be much you can do to protect the outside of your building from damage other than collecting and discarding yard debris, it may help you when thinking about water damage that may make it's way inside.
6. Tarps, plywood & your electronics.In the event of a power outage or other infrastructure failures during a severe storm, water from the tap can be contaminated. The CDC recommends a gallon of water a day, for three days, for each family member and pet in the home. It may be worth cleaning the bathtub to store water in the event of a bad storm that you can boil in the event that your supply runs out. Of course, with these drinking water tips also comes the tip to get non-perishable foods that are easy to prepare.
7. Breathe.Having a few pieces of your "Get out of Dodge" kit ready and at your disposal will make it all the easier to hit the road if you're trying to cover up windows and suspicious spots on the roof. A few tarps and pieces of plywood for the rooms you definitely do not water in. Following that, you'll want to unplug electronics, get them up off of the floor and away from external walls. While a broken window and the water damage are definitely not something you want, an electrical fire while you're away and emergency services are preoccupied is something you'll want to avoid.
There are plenty of things you can do to prepare for a hurricane. Maintaining your home is a great way to make sure your home escapes as much damage as possible. We'd hope you'd have adequate home insurance coverage as well. In the past year we've seen how fast housing can raise in value, and we've also seen building materials skyrocket in prices, perhaps even surpassing your coverage limits. In the event of a total loss, you'd want to be protected with guaranteed replacement coverage. To make sure you have the coverage you need, give us a call at (301) 694-0008 and breathe easy knowing you're covered.
We hope this list helps you start to think about what you might need to prepare for a hurricane this season. Got hurricane tips you'd like to share? Let us know in the comments section below. If you've got some friends or family looking at a potential landfall, go ahead and send them this article. Thanks so much for reading, and don't forget to check out our other blogs for more stories that might be interesting to you!
Whether you're grilling in the backyard in Annapolis or planning a mountain getaway from Frederick, our team is just a phone call or email away. Let’s have that conversation now, so your summer, and every season after, is secure. Contact us today for an appointment with our experienced insurance specialists.
Serving Annapolis and Frederick, MD
Whether you're grilling in the backyard in Annapolis or planning a mountain getaway from Frederick, our team is just a phone call or email away. Let’s have that conversation now, so your summer, and every season after, is secure.
Contact us today for an appointment with our experienced insurance specialists.
Serving Annapolis and Frederick, MD
At Lindquist Insurance, we offer personal, proactive service that keeps you focused on growth, not guesswork. Whether you're expanding, hiring, or just refreshing for the season, we’re here to ensure your business is covered from every angle. Call us today at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com to schedule your Spring Business Insurance Checkup.
We serve the Annapolis and Frederick, MD area.
Spring brings longer days, blooming landscapes, and unpredictable weather for businesses in Annapolis and Frederick, Maryland. Storms in the Mid-Atlantic can bring heavy rain, flooding, hail, and strong winds, often leading to costly damages for business owners. That’s why now is the perfect time to evaluate your business insurance coverage and ensure you’re protected against the unique seasonal risks spring brings. *** Why Spring Storms Matter to Maryland Business Owners Maryland's spring weather is known for its volatility. Sudden thunderstorms, high winds, and localized flooding can affect both coastal towns like Annapolis and inland areas like Frederick. In 2022 alone, several businesses in Frederick County experienced power outages and property damage due to intense spring storms. Similarly, businesses near the Chesapeake Bay face storm surges and flash flooding, especially during early-season weather systems. For local businesses—from boutique shops in downtown Annapolis to industrial warehouses near Frederick’s tech corridor—spring weather disruptions can mean more than just cleanup. They can lead to business interruptions, loss of inventory, and expensive repairs. How Business Insurance Can Help Business insurance is a critical safeguard that provides financial protection when natural disasters strike. But not all policies are created equal. Understanding the specific coverages that protect against spring-related risks can make a big difference when it matters most. Here are the top types of business insurance you should review this season: 1. Commercial Property Insurance. This is the foundation of most business insurance policies. It covers your physical assets, such as your building, equipment, and inventory, if they’re damaged by covered perils like wind, hail, or lightning. If a windstorm damages the roof of your downtown Annapolis storefront or flooding ruins inventory stored in your Frederick warehouse, commercial property insurance helps cover repair and replacement costs. Be sure to check if your policy includes flood protection. You may need to purchase separate flood insurance, especially in flood-prone areas near the Chesapeake Bay. 2. Business Interruption Insurance. Also known as business income insurance, this coverage kicks in if your operations are forced to shut down due to storm-related damage. It covers lost income, payroll, rent, and other operating expenses during the downtime. Imagine a storm causes structural damage to your Frederick café, requiring you to close for two weeks. Business interruption insurance can help you stay afloat financially until you reopen. 3. Equipment Breakdown Insurance. Spring storms can lead to power surges and electrical issues, which can damage your essential equipment, like refrigerators, HVAC systems, or point-of-sale terminals. Equipment breakdown insurance helps cover the cost of repair or replacement, so your operations don't have to close temporarily. This is crucial for restaurants, retail shops, and healthcare facilities in Annapolis and Frederick that rely on specialized machinery. 4. Commercial Auto Insurance. If your business uses vehicles for deliveries, transportation, or service calls. Make sure your commercial auto insurance includes comprehensive coverage. This protects your vehicles from non-collision-related damages, including those caused by hail, fallen trees, or flooding. Local fleets operating between Annapolis and Frederick are especially vulnerable during spring travel, when roads may be slick or obstructed. 5. General Liability Insurance. Spring storms sometimes lead to unexpected hazards, like a slippery floor or fallen debris outside your storefront, that can cause injury to customers or passersby. General liability insurance covers medical costs, legal fees, and settlements if someone gets hurt on your property. This type of coverage is essential for public-facing businesses, such as those located along the bustling streets of Annapolis or in Frederick’s historic downtown district. Take These Steps Now to Stay Protected Review Your Policy with a Local Agent. Insurance needs vary depending on location, business type, and risk exposure. A local agent, like the experienced team at Lindquist Insurance, can assess your current coverage and suggest any needed updates tailored to the Annapolis and Frederick regions. 1. Document and Protect Your Assets. Take an inventory of your equipment, supplies, and property. Back up digital records and store documents off-site or in the cloud. This speeds up claims processing in the event of a loss. 2. Create a Spring Storm Preparedness Plan. Include emergency contact lists, backup power sources, evacuation procedures, and a communication plan for employees and customers. 3. Schedule an Annual Insurance Checkup. Use the changing season as a reminder to reassess your business insurance needs. Your business evolves—and so should your protection. At Lindquist Insurance , we’re proud to serve the business communities of Annapolis and Frederick, MD. Our goal is to help you weather any storm with confidence, knowing you’re covered where it counts. Whether you run a waterfront shop in Annapolis or a growing service business in Frederick, our team is ready to help you find the right business insurance solutions for the spring season and beyond. Contact our business insurance specialists today for a free business insurance review or call us at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com. *** For more information on Maryland weather, visit the Weather US website .
At Lindquist Insurance, we’re here to help you with your car insurance now and in the future. If you're thinking about switching your car insurance and live in Frederick, Annapolis, or Washington, DC, now is the perfect time to reach out. At Lindquist Insurance, our friendly local agents make the process simple, fast, and tailored to you. We’ll compare top providers, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way.
Call Lindquist Insurance today at (301) 694-3008 or visit www.lindquisinsurance.com to request a free, no-obligation quote.
We serve the Frederick, MD, Annapolis, MD, and Washington, D.C. areas.
We offer car insurance in Frederick. We work with first-time drivers to find a policy that fits their needs and budget without sacrificing the coverage needed to drive confidently.
Our insurance agent in Frederick can save you time and money. We can navigate the complexities of insurance, ensuring you get the best coverage at the most affordable rates.
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