1. Place indoors any loose outside objects such as garbage cans, yard tools, toys and patio furniture. These objects can become dangerous projectiles during heavy winds that can damage your home and injure your family. Encourage your neighbors to do the same.
   
   
2. Replace gravel/rock landscaping material with shredded bark.
   
   
3. Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed. Cut weak branches and trees that could fall or bump against the house. When trimming try to create a channel through the foliage to the center of the tree to allow for airflow.
   
   
4. Protect windows from wind-driven objects and high-wind pressure with shutters and/or tape. Plywood shutters securely fastened over the window openings prevent flying debris from breaking windowpanes, which can lead to catastrophic damage.
   
   
5. Reinforce entry doors. If your doors are solid wood or hollow metal they probably can resist wind pressures and hurricane debris. To reinforce your doors install heavy-duty foot and head bolts to double-entry doors and use a security dead bolt lock with one-inch thick minimum bolt throw length. Also, make sure your doors have at least three hinges.
   
   
6. Inventory your possessions. Take pictures and make a list of all your possessions. Store it and other important papers in a high place in a waterproof container or in a safe deposit box.
   
   
7. Have at least one flashlight in good condition. Keep extra batteries in a watertight bag or container.
   
   
8. Make sure your portable radio is working. If telephone and cable television lines are damaged this may be your only link to important weather-related information. Keep the radio tuned to a weather or news station for the latest information.
   
   
9. Stock a generous supply of drinking water, extra canned goods and nonperisable foods.
   
   
10. If you own a boat, move it to a safe place or at least strengthen the mooring lines.

For those residents who experience damage and losses due to a storm, the Insurance Council of New Jersey offers the following advice:

1. Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Most insurance companies will reimburse you for these emergency repairs.
   
   
2. Do what you can to salvage or protect property and equipment.
   
   
3. Notify your insurance agent or company as soon as possible.
   
   
4. Make a detailed list of damaged items, and have copies ready for your insurance agent or company. Include a description of each item, the date of purchase and cost. If you have previously prepared a home inventory this task will be much easier. Photograph and/or video tape all damage.
   
   
5. Review your homeowner's insurance policy to find out what losses are covered and what deductibles you are responsible for. If you have flood insurance, check the coverage of that policy also.
   
   
6. As soon as possible, secure a detailed estimate (two if possible) for permanent repairs. The estimate should include specifications for proposed repairs, repair costs and replacement prices.
   
   
7. Keep a record of all receipts, cancelled checks, bills and other documents received for repair work.

See Also:
Home Security Hints
Credit Theft
Dog Bite Liability
Reduce Frozen Pipes
Bike Theft Prevention
Mold Tips
Pool Safety
Responsible Party Host
Household Water Damage
Remodeling Your Home
Fire Related Tips