Hurricane Season Readiness: 10 Planning Tips For MS Families

Mississippi is one of the states most affected by hurricanes. With hurricane season ongoing, it’s crucial to start preparing in case disaster strikes. You should have money saved for hurricane-related expenses in case one hits quickly, and you don’t have time to save up afterward.

Unsure where to begin? In this guide from Mississippi Title Loans, Inc., you’ll find useful tips that could help you navigate the stressful period with fewer setbacks. We'll also explain title loans and how they can assist when you're facing hurricane expenses you can't afford.

10 Planning Tips For Hurricane Preparedness

Mississippi ranks as the state with the eighth-most amount of hurricanes in history. They have 19 hurricanes on record, with three classified from Category 3 to Category 5. If a hurricane exceeds Category 3, you could face severe property damage from strong winds and flooding. Instead of hoping for the best, prepare an emergency fund for hurricane-related expenses.

Here are ten tips for preparing for emergency hurricane expenses:

1. Prepare For The Worst

You should know exactly what to do if a disaster occurs. Pick a single meeting spot for everyone in the family. If you have pets, make sure you know how to evacuate them.

Ideally, you should also identify a shelter room. This should be a room or enclosed area located on the first floor. It shouldn’t have any windows, and the space needs to be large enough to accommodate all family members.

Another key point to consider is ensuring emergency contacts are easily accessible. If you have an iPhone, set up a medical ID in the Health app. Those with an Android can quickly add the information to the emergency section.

2. Check Inventory And Restock Supplies

You might have to go without power after a hurricane, which means no access to your fridge, freezer, oven, stove, or microwave. It’s important to keep nonperishable food items so you can still eat during a power outage. Stores may not be fully stocked after the hurricane hits, so make sure you have everything you need to survive a few days or weeks without power.

You must also have other supplies to help fix issues the hurricane causes to your home to keep your family safe. Injuries may also occur, so having medical items at the ready can prevent health complications.

Here’s a list of supplies you should have for hurricane season:

• Water and food supplies: You’ll need bottled water—one gallon per person per day, for a 7-day supply—and non-perishable foods such as ready-to-eat canned soups, high-fiber bars, canned meats, vegetables, and fruits, along with high-energy foods like peanut butter and jerky. Steer clear of junk foods like chips, as they do not contribute to keeping you properly energized.
• Tools and supplies: You’ll want various batteries, flashlights, a battery-powered radio and phone charger, duct tape, plastic plates and utensils, a hammer with nails, screwdrivers and screws, waterproof clothing, candles, matches, lighters, board games, sleeping bags, and a generator.
• First-aid kit: Any personal medications, bandages, gauze pads, hydrogen peroxide, aspirin, ibuprofen, insect repellent, soap, wipes, and medical scissors should be kept in a waterproof container. Make sure your first-aid kit is stored securely.

3. Waterproof Important Documents

Replacing certain documents can be nearly impossible or take too much time. Protecting your valuable physical documents in advance is much easier than trying to recover them. Place your documents into zip-lock bags and store them inside a small fire safe, or you can put the papers in a waterproof container.

You would also want to create digital backups. Take clear photos of the documents and store digital copies on Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox. If you possess something particularly valuable, you should consider storing the original documents in a safe deposit box at your local bank.

4. Take Care Of Your Vehicle

Gas stations may run out of fuel during disasters since street and road closures make deliveries harder. Make sure your car is filled with gas, then move it to higher ground to avoid serious water damage.

Don’t park the car near power lines or under trees. The last thing you want is to move your car to safety and find a tree trunk through it.

5. Review Your Insurance

Standard insurance might not cover hurricane-related damage, so you need a separate policy. Hurricane insurance policies usually cover repairs to your house or other structures on your property.

You might also want to consider purchasing flood insurance if your hurricane policy does not cover flooding. In some cases, hurricane insurance may only cover wind damage and damage caused by fallen trees. Be sure to compare the different options and choose the most suitable one for your specific situation.

Don’t wait until you hear a hurricane is approaching to act. Prepare in advance and have your policies ready to avoid delays in getting the coverage you need.

6. Secure Your Exterior

To reduce damage, trim large trees and bring all outdoor items, such as bikes, furniture, and toys, inside. If some items can't be moved indoors, secure them with ropes.

If there are any items outside your house that you think could be blown through a window by the hurricane, bring them inside. If you have garbage cans, secure them to your deck with ropes or bungee cords.

7. Have An Emergency Kit

Your house should have all the necessary food items and supplies. You would also want to make sure that you have an emergency bag lying around that you can simply grab and quickly leave the house. Evacuations are common during serious hurricanes, so have a bag ready with all items you will need to survive away from your home.

The following are some items to keep in your emergency kit:

• Bottled water
• Nonperishable food
• Your essential documents in a waterproof container
• Clothing
• Toiletries
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Cash
• Portable radio

8. Power Up

As mentioned previously, power outages are common during hurricanes. You will have to wait until the electrical company can get out to repair any downed electrical poles or damaged wiring safely. That won’t happen until the roads are clear and the crews can get out without danger.

To prepare for a few days without power, do the following:

• Charge your phone and your portable battery chargers
• Fill your vehicle’s gas tank
• Test the generator

9. Stormproof Your House

Hurricane-force winds and heavy rain can damage your house, so you need to take precautions to keep your home safe. By installing protective measures outside your house, you can mitigate the damage caused by a hurricane. This can save you money on repairs after the storm is over.

The following are some ways to stormproof your house:

 Invest in impact-resistant doors and windows

• Consider having storm shutters
• Opt for weather-resistant roofing
• When remodeling your home, try to use more waterproof and fire-retardant materials
• Clean the gutters at least twice a year or invest in seamless gutters
• Reinforce your garage door

10. Explore Emergency Hurricane Funds In MS

Major emergencies can occur during hurricane season, regardless of how well you prepare. If you need financial help after a hurricane, you can apply for emergency funds from government and state programs.

The most assistance individuals can typically rely on is available during Presidentially Declared Disasters. Outside of these declarations, MEMA can provide support through the State Temporary Housing Assistance Program. Other emergency hurricane funds in MS range from Disaster Unemployment Assistance to the Disaster Food Stamp program.

Can A Title Loan Help After A Hurricane?

If you need emergency hurricane funds in MS for expenses you can't afford, Mississippi Title Loans, Inc. can assist with our title loans. These are secured emergency loans that allow you to borrow against the value of your vehicle. You can borrow up to $2,500 by using your lien-free vehicle title as collateral. You are only eligible if you own your car outright and it is fully paid off.

Those who need help with hurricane prep expenses can get it with the following required items:

• Your driver’s license or a state-issued photo ID
• A lien-free vehicle title in your name
• Your vehicle for a fast inspection

You can begin the title loan process with our simple loan form. Provide your full name, zip code, contact information, and vehicle details online. We will then call you to explain the process. You can finalize the process at one of our Mississippi store locations and get approved within 30 minutes. You will receive your title loan cash later that day or by the next business day.

Borrow Title Loans In Mississippi – Receive Up To $2,500 Today!

Do you need emergency hurricane funds in MS today? Let Mississippi Title Loans, Inc. help with our quick-approval title loans. With us, you can get up to $2,500 in less than 24 hours, even with bad or no credit. Get started today online and visit us in person at one of our Mississippi stores to get approved within 30 minutes.

There’s no need to wait any longer. Get started right now by filling out the inquiry form!

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.