Protect Your Property PDF Print E-mail

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) urges property owners to protect their property from strong winds, damaging rains, and flooding that hurricanes or tropical storms can bring to New England. The Atlantic Hurricane Season is June 1-November 30. “As always planning and preparation is the key to safety,” said RIEMA Executive Director J. David Smith.
Here are some examples of how to protect your property:

  • Learn the particular hurricane risks for your area. 
  • Find out if your property is subject to storm surge or inland flooding.
    • CLICK HERE for the Warwick Inundation Matrix.
    • CLICK HERE for Rhode Island Hurricane Evacuation Study Hurricane Surge Inundation Mapping (May 2009)
  • Determine the safest and most efficient evacuation route.
    • CLICK HERE for the City of Warwick Evacuation Map.
  • Make a record of your personal property. Keep an itemized list of your furniture, clothing and valuables to assist adjusters in case of a claim. Back it up with photographs or video.
  • Protect your insurance policies and other important documents in a secure place like a safe deposit box or a watertight box.
  • Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed. Remove diseased or damaged tree limbs that could be blown down during a storm.
  • Clear clogged rain gutters. Hurricanes/tropical storms often bring heavy rain. Providing clear drainage will help prevent misdirected flooding.
  • Make sure storage sheds or other outbuildings are securely anchored, either to a permanent foundation or with straps and ground anchors.
  • Make temporary plywood covers to protect windows and sliding doors. Drill holes for screws or lag bolts in each cover and around each window. Use a numbering or lettering system that shows which cover goes with which window. Store the mounting screws or lag bolts with the covers in a place where they are readily accessible. Note: Taping of windows does not prevent them from breaking.
  • Make a list of outdoor items to bring inside in case of a storm, such as lawn furniture, trash barrels, hanging plants, toys and awnings. A list will help you remember anything that can be broken or picked up by strong winds and used as a missile.
  • Learn to safely shut off utilities, as well as where gas pilots and water mains are located.
  • Close and lock doors and windows to ensure that they are closed tight to help protect against strong winds and rain.
  • Buy Flood Insurance. Unlike damage from hurricane winds, water damage from coastal or inland flooding is not covered by homeowners insurance. Contact your local insurance agent or contact the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).