4/29/2022
Nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) urges early action and highlights affordable options to help families get ready in a tight economy
(TALLAHASSEE, FL) – As the nation marks 2022 National Hurricane Preparedness Week and coastal residents gear up for the June 1 beginning of hurricane season, the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) is sharing steps to save lives, protect homes, and preserve peace of mind. The steps outlined at www.hurricanestrong.org include free and low-cost strategies with an emphasis on early prep to avoid more expensive, last-minute options.
The heightened emphasis on affordability comes following an annual FLASH survey of 500 residents across ten hurricane-prone states that revealed a need to prepare on a reduced budget. Nearly 30% of survey respondents reported a willingness to spend $50 or less, double the 2021 percentage when 15% reported a spending target of $50 or less.
"We are especially focused on cost-saving strategies to help families this year so they can prepare for extraordinary events like hurricanes while managing ordinary expenses, too," said FLASH President and CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson. "The good news is that one of the most effective ways to overcome expensive last-minute options is to begin the process today. Free, low-cost, and DIY preparations are within reach, especially when you spread the expense over time."
Free and low cost (<$50) steps include the examples below:
Visit the free online #HurricaneStrong preparation center to learn more, download checklists, or contact an expert.
(TALLAHASSEE, FL) – As the nation marks 2022 National Hurricane Preparedness Week and coastal residents gear up for the June 1 beginning of hurricane season, the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) is sharing steps to save lives, protect homes, and preserve peace of mind. The steps outlined at www.hurricanestrong.org include free and low-cost strategies with an emphasis on early prep to avoid more expensive, last-minute options.
The heightened emphasis on affordability comes following an annual FLASH survey of 500 residents across ten hurricane-prone states that revealed a need to prepare on a reduced budget. Nearly 30% of survey respondents reported a willingness to spend $50 or less, double the 2021 percentage when 15% reported a spending target of $50 or less.
"We are especially focused on cost-saving strategies to help families this year so they can prepare for extraordinary events like hurricanes while managing ordinary expenses, too," said FLASH President and CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson. "The good news is that one of the most effective ways to overcome expensive last-minute options is to begin the process today. Free, low-cost, and DIY preparations are within reach, especially when you spread the expense over time."
Free and low cost (<$50) steps include the examples below:
- SAFETY
- PREPAREDNESS
- FREE - Create an Emergency Plan
- UNDER $50 - Build a Disaster Supply Kit
- RESILIENCE
- UNDER $50 - Soffits are horizontal surfaces on the underside of your roof eaves that help resist wind and keep water out of your attic. They can allow wind-driven rain to cause catastrophic and costly water damage when they blow in. Use caulk and follow the DIY steps in this checklist to reinforce soffits and ensure they stay in place in hurricane winds.
- SECURITY
- FREE - Have an Insurance Checkup
- FREE - Create an Insurance Home Inventory
- SERVICE
- FREE - Help Your Neighbor and Community
Visit the free online #HurricaneStrong preparation center to learn more, download checklists, or contact an expert.