Hurricanes are dangerous and unpredictable storms that can wreak havoc in an instant. However, this doesn't mean that you should just sit by and let this damage occur. If you follow some simple tips and guidelines, your home and property will be protected from at least some of the damage, providing you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your life won't be upended entirely.

Plan for an Evacuation and Stock Up on Supplies

The first thing you'll want to do is plan for an evacuation, especially if the storm is set to be a severe one. Keep an eye on local news channels and websites dedicated to weather so that you can be up-to-date on evacuation zones and whether or not your home is in one. You're also going to want to stock up on supplies for an emergency kit. Make sure to include water, food, clothing, blankets, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and maps.

Check Your Current Insurance Status

When a hurricane comes around, it's important that you have insurance to protect you from costly damage. Check that your home is insured against flooding as this isn't automatically included with most home insurance policies. Flood-specific policies will cover some of the damage done to your home in the event of flooding.

Back Up Electronics and Important Data

If you have any important documents on your computer that you would like to keep safe, back them up to an external hard drive or online cloud storage before a storm rolls in. These solutions will keep your documents safe no matter the damage to your home.

Prepare Your Property

The winds from a hurricane can cause trees and their branches to fall, so consider cutting down any unhealthy trees or damaged limbs to keep you and your home safe. Make sure that your roof, doors, and windows are in prime condition, and clear your gutters so that water damage doesn't occur. You might also want to purchase a portable generator that will come in handy if your power goes out.

While it's not possible to safeguard against every danger involved with a hurricane, it is possible to greatly mitigate the potential damage to your home.