Many states of the USA are well-accustomed to hurricanes and other weather catastrophes. Nevertheless, extreme weather shouldn’t stop you if your dream has always been to move to North Carolina with the help of one of the best moving companies in Wilmington, NC.
As the population and urban areas in North Carolina grow, more and more people feel tempted to come and enjoy the beautiful scenery it has to offer. Here’s a guide on what you should know before moving to a hurricane-prone area. We want to help you enjoy your new life in North Carolina and conquer the elements.
What You Should Know Before Moving to a Hurricane Area
1. Check the State of the Home
First things first, it’s important to assess the condition of the home before making your decision. Several factors can determine whether a house is safe during a hurricane, and you should ensure your new home has these features. For starters, look for hurricane doors and windows. If the house doesn’t have any, you’ll at least want to have strong shutters.
Check if the bigger windows are placed facing the direction of the wind. This can be a great downside, as flying objects or even the wind’s strength can easily break your windows.
Moreover, ask about the year the home was built. The building code standards in the 1950s and 1960s were basically non-existent, so newer homes will always be more hurricane-resistant than older ones.
2. Make a Plan
Once you’ve decided on a place, you need to make a plan. In severe weather, careful planning will help you stay on course and organize yourself.
During an emergency evacuation, you’ll want to determine who is going where, how you will take care of your pets, how much food you will need to bring, and what specific items you need to pack for your car.
Planning for all these things is crucial because you will not have the time or patience to figure things out during a crisis. Something that you knew you needed but completely forgot about could disappear forever.
3. Consider Insurance
Even if your family doesn’t suffer any damage from a hurricane, dealing with the repair costs post-disaster can be very overwhelming. That’s why you should consider getting insurance for your home.
Damage from floods is one of the most common and costly hazards in the US. Moreover, strong winds can lead to windows breaking or objects impacting against each other and causing harm.
4. Check for Hazardous Substances
Making a list of all the household chemicals you own is one task you may not have even considered. When used improperly, substances like ammonia, bleach, and drain cleaners can be very dangerous.
The containers containing these chemicals may be destroyed during a hurricane, posing a serious risk to anyone who happens to encounter them. Verify that the lids for these products are fully closed and taken out of your house before the storm hits.
And remember that, when you’re planning your move, these items are better left behind!
Find Reliable Moving Companies in Wilmington, NC
Knowing what to expect can help reduce the risk if you and your family are thinking about moving to an area that has seen its fair share of hurricanes. You may ensure the safety of your family by making sure your prospective new home can resist severe winds and damage.
If you’re fully decided on going through with this change, we can help you with the logistics that come along at Pink Zebra Moving. Find a location near you and reach out!