Native Floridians know the drill—it’s June, which means the approaching onset of hurricane season is here. Whether you’re a new resident to Florida, or are accustomed to the procedures that lead up to these months of increased protection, it can be helpful to review how you can have a stress-free hurricane season and ensure that your home will remain as safe and secure as possible. Here are quick eight things homeowners should do to prepare for Hurricane Season:
1. Know all evacuation routes, especially if you live close to the coast
Along the highway, you’ll find plenty of evacuation route signs. Do some research on the Internet, and depending on your geographical location, you should be able to identify the most accessible means of fleeing your region if it is unsafe to remain.
2. Formulate an evacuation plan
In addition to identifying your evacuation route(s), you’ll want to know where you might go in case of an emergency, whether that’s a friend or family member’s house. It’s no good to keep driving away from the eye of the hurricane without a plan. Much like a pregnancy, it would be in your best interest to pack a “to go” bag, filled with some essentials that will equip you for wherever you go, and for however long you might be there.
3. Keep supplies on hand
Stock up on non-perishable food items, as well as flashlights, batteries, and water. Depending on the damage created by a hurricane, you could be deprived of electricity and access to clean water.
4. Stay informed
The best way to stay safe and prepared for hurricane season is to remain aware and educated. Sign up and register for as many local alerts, warnings, and local news/weather reports in your area as possible. Meteorologists work twice as hard during this time to ensure that their communities are made aware of any potential threats.
5. Install sewer backflow valves, anchoring fuel tanks; review insurance policies
These are some technical things you should work out before the arrival of an intense storm. Just in case you do face destructive damage from a hurricane, you’ll want to review your insurance to see how exactly you will be covered.
6. Safeguard critical documents and records
While many items are replaceable in a home, it can be very debilitating to lose papers and other materials that you might never again see. Store your financial, medical, education, and legal documents in a safe place, as well as photos and other physical items you cannot replace.
7. Install a hurricane-proof room in your home if you do not already have one
The safest space to occupy in a home during a storm with a magnitude of a hurricane is one with no windows, and the most ideal would be a closet. If you do not have a space like this for some reason, it would be a great idea to corner off a section of your home so that four walls are enclosing a space with no exposure to outdoor debris.
8. Implement generators
You will likely lose power during a hurricane; this could be for an hour, a week, or even a month! If you can afford them, purchase generators for your home that will provide backup power for essential appliances.
TSpark Enterprises, headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida offers a wide range of construction services. Visit our websiteor call (850) 766-1340 to get a free estimate and embark on your construction journey today!