Protect Your Art Studio from Hurricane/High Wind

Mississippi metalsmith Ann Adele Nettles cleans up after Hurricane Katrina.

What is Your Hurricane Risk?

• View this U.S. map showing the frequency of hurricane and tropical storm activity
• Be aware that hurricane season is June-November
• Be prepared for flooding as well as damaging high winds

Plan for Evacuation or Staying Put

• Make an evacuation plan
• When to stay. When to go
• Evacuating your studio

Have the Emergency Essentials Handy

• Have an emergency supply kit accessible and containing, at minimum:
  • Food and water
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio
  • Extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Medications
  • Copies of vital personal and business documents and contacts
  • Extra cash

Metal artist + beneficiary Kim Eubank’s studio repair of Hurricane Irene damage

What is Your Business Insurance Coverage?

• Most homeowners or renters insurance policies cover little to none of your artwork, supplies, tools, and other art business assets
• Even if you have business insurance, a review of the coverage is an important part of being ready for a disaster
• Homeowners, renters, and business insurance policies exclude losses from floods and earthquakes. Consider flood insurance as part of a hurricane ready plan

Protect Your Assets and Plan for Resilience

• Get your art and business inventory records in order
• Keep your artwork as well as your analog and digital business records safe
• Be ready to bounce back from a disaster

A Hurricane-Strong Studio

Windows

Permanent storm shutters are best 

2nd Best Option: Cut 5/8” sheets of marine plywood to fit your windows when needed 

 Tape does not prevent windows from breaking

Roof

Install straps or additional clips to secure your roof   

Trees + Shrubs

Keep trees & shrubs close to house well-trimmed

Remove dead & hanging wood

Gutters + Downspouts

Clear clogs

Fix loose gutters & downspouts

Plan to Communicate. Communicate to Plan.

• Be in the know
• Have a disaster buddy
• Collect, record, and give out information
• Predict unpredictability
• Set up a support network
• Make a disaster plan