Why Is Hurricane Season Preparation So Critical in Margate City?
Margate’s coastal location makes it particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, tropical storms, and nor’easters. The city faces risks such as:
- Flooding from storm surges
- Wind damage to roofs, siding, and windows
- Power outages that can last for days
- Damage to vehicles and outdoor structures
If you’re new to the area or haven’t experienced a direct hit, it’s easy to underestimate the risk. But planning ahead is your best defense—and that’s where we come in.
Know Your Zone: Is Your Property in a Flood-Prone Area?
Before doing anything else, check your flood zone status using FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center. Parts of Margate City are in high-risk flood zones, meaning:
- You may be required to carry flood insurance.
- Your property is more likely to suffer water damage in a storm.
- Evacuation orders could come sooner.
If your home is in a flood zone, we recommend investing in additional protective measures such as sump pumps, flood barriers, or waterproofing services—something we at Advanced Disaster Recovery Inc. can assist with.
Build an Emergency Kit: What Should You Include?
The right emergency supplies can keep you safe and comfortable during and after a storm. Your kit should last a minimum of 72 hours and be ready by the time the season begins in June.
Here’s a checklist of essentials:
- Bottled water (one gallon per person per day for 3–7 days)
- Non-perishable food and snacks
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Battery-powered or crank weather radio (NOAA Weather Radio info)
- First-aid supplies and medications
- Pet food and extra leashes
- Copies of IDs, insurance, and medical info in a waterproof container
- Phone chargers, cash, blankets, and hygiene items
Pro tip: Don’t wait for a storm to be announced—supplies fly off shelves fast. If you’d rather not assemble all this yourself, we can help you put together a complete, ready-to-go kit tailored to your household.
Create a Personal Evacuation Plan Before You Need One
Evacuation orders can be issued with little notice. That’s why it’s essential to know where to go and how to get there. Use the Atlantic County Emergency Management page to identify:
- Primary evacuation routes out of Margate City
- Local hurricane shelters (some may not allow pets—check ahead)
- Locations of gas stations, hospitals, and emergency stops along your route
Also, talk with your family about:
- Meeting points if you’re separated
- Who’s in charge of grabbing the emergency kit
- How you’ll communicate if phones are down
We help families and seniors build clear, actionable evacuation plans. Contact us if you need help tailoring a strategy.
Prepare Your Property: Home Fortification Tips That Matter
Protecting your property now can reduce how much you lose later. Here are simple but effective ways to harden your home:
- Install storm shutters or plywood covers over windows and doors.
- Reinforce your garage door—a common weak point.
- Trim trees and remove loose yard debris.
- Bring inside anything that could become windborne—grills, furniture, potted plants.
- Inspect and seal roof edges and flashing.
If you don’t have time to secure your property, Advanced Disaster Recovery Inc. offers pre-storm board-up and fortification services throughout Atlantic County. We’ll make sure your home is ready—without stress.
Review Your Insurance Coverage: Are You Actually Protected?
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is assuming standard insurance covers everything—it doesn’t. Here’s what to do:
- Review your policy: Ensure wind and flood damage are included.
- Understand your deductibles: Hurricane deductibles can differ from other claims.
- Take an inventory: Use a spreadsheet or app to document your belongings. Photos are a huge help when filing claims.
If you’re unsure what’s covered, we can walk you through your policy and even offer pre-loss documentation services, so you’re not scrambling after the fact.
Stay Informed During Hurricane Season
Getting reliable information is just as important as physical preparation. Here’s where to find it:
- Local alerts: Sign up for Margate City’s CodeRED emergency alerts
- Weather updates: Use the National Hurricane Center and AccuWeather
- Social media: Follow your local OEM and county emergency management for real-time updates
Not Sure Where to Start? Let Us Help.
We get it—life is busy, and preparing for hurricane season can feel like just another task on a long to-do list. But this one matters. At Advanced Disaster Recovery Inc., we offer:
- Home preparedness assessments
- Evacuation plan development
- Emergency kit assembly
- Storm-proofing and board-up services
- Insurance documentation support
Whether you need full-service help or just expert guidance, we’re your trusted local partner in Margate City. Call us today and let’s get you ready before the next storm is on the radar.
