As hurricane season reaches its peak and the threat of severe weather looms, Eddie Coar, director of Emergency Management at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, wants homeowners to take simple steps now to protect property and stay safe.

“Storm preparedness is more than just having a flashlight and batteries,” Coar said. “Protecting your home before severe weather strikes can help minimize damage and ensure your family’s safety.”

Coar says reviewing insurance coverage is of vital importance.

“Many homeowners are surprised to learn that standard policies do not cover flood damage, so it is critical to speak with your insurance agent early,” Coar said. “Also, create an inventory of your home and belongings with photos or videos, and keep those records safe.”

UAB Emergency Management recommends these key steps to prepare your home:

• Trim trees: Remove weak or overgrown branches.
• Secure outdoor items: Anchor or store furniture, grills and trash cans.
• Protect windows/doors: Use storm shutters or pre-cut plywood.
• Check the roof: Fix loose shingles; consider hurricane straps.
• Clear gutters: Ensure proper drainage.
• Prep for outages: Test generators, store fuel safely, never use indoors.
• Know shutoffs: Locate water, gas and power shutoff points.
• Prevent flooding: Use sandbags, plastic sheeting and elevate appliances.

“Finally, do not forget important documents,” Coar said. “Keep copies of IDs, insurance policies, financial records and medical information in a waterproof, portable container, and consider digital backups as well.”

By planning ahead, homeowners can significantly reduce risks and recover more quickly after a storm.