There is a saying “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” Considering how unpredictable the hurricane season is, don’t Wait, Prepare Today!
Running officially from June 1st to November 30th. The single most important thing a Floridian can do is prepare early. Waiting until a storm is named leads to stress, shortages, and traffic.
🚨 This Topic Deserves Its Own Page!
This high-level blog post is an overview – only scratching the surface of what it takes to be truly ready. Stay tuned for our full Hurricane Preparedness Center—your ultimate guide to popular Florida weathering the storm information!
The High Points Checklist:
1. Know Your Risks and Plan Your Escape
- Know Your Evacuation Zone: Find your official evacuation zone through your county’s emergency management website. Simply enter your address in the top left Find address box. If an evacuation order is issued for your zone, leave immediately.
- Create a Family Emergency Plan: Decide now where you will go, how you will get there, and how you will communicate if separated. Designate an out-of-state contact for family members to check in with.
- Plan for Pets: Most public shelters do not allow pets. Identify pet-friendly shelters, hotels, or friends/family well outside your risk zone.
2. Financial & Document Preparedness
- Review Your Insurance: Check your homeowners and auto policies. Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage. If you live in a flood-prone area, secure a separate flood insurance policy (there is often a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect!).
- Gather Important Documents: Collect and store copies of critical documents in a waterproof, portable container (a “Go-Kit”). This includes insurance policies, IDs, birth certificates, medical records, and bank information.
- Get Cash: ATMs and credit card systems often fail during extended power outages. Have enough cash on hand for essential purchases.
3. Build & Maintain Your Supply Kits
Aim for enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 7 days. Store your kit in a designated, easily accessible location.
- Water: One gallon per person, per day, for drinking and sanitation.
- Food: A supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food.
- Power & Communications: A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio, flashlights, solar charger or plenty of extra batteries.
- Fully charge cell phones and portable power banks.
- First Aid & Medical: A fully stocked first aid kit and a one-month supply of prescription medications.
- Please contact us if you would like us to take care of this for you – building a personalize “go-bag” for you, your family/friends.
4. Home Hardening & Property Security
- Secure Windows: Install permanent hurricane shutters or cut plywood to fit all windows and glass doors. Do not waste time taping windows; it does not prevent them from breaking.
- Clear the Yard: Bring in everything loose: patio furniture, grills, trash cans, toys, and decorations. Anything outside can become a dangerous projectile in high winds.
- Trim Trees: Clear dead or weak branches from trees near your home to reduce the risk of falling limbs.
- Reinforce the Garage Door: Garage doors are a major weak spot. Consider adding a bracing kit, especially if you live in a high-wind area.
- Please contact us if you are interesting in having a 3rd party perform a pre storm custom home inventory.