In Florida, “hurricane preparedness” becomes a household phrase every year from June 1 – November 30. That’s the Atlantic Hurricane season and it keeps meteorologists busy watching out for the weather patterns that create the tropical storms that turn into hurricanes. There’s no shortage of television interviews with victims who say they never imagined their home would be destroyed by a hurricane or major storm.
The good news is that proper Florida hurricane preparedness can help prevent all kinds of hurricane-related problems. Experts recommend these five tips to stay safe.
1. Block Your Windows
Your windows can make you vulnerable during Florida hurricane season. All it takes is a strong gust of wind to throw debris right through your window, causing a change in air pressure that can lift your roof right off. That leaves you and your family exposed to the elements during storm or hurricane force winds and rain.
One of the best ways to protect the windows currently on your home is to install hurricane screens, shutters, and panels.
Screens are thin pieces of fabric that provide limited protection all year round. Shutters offer more substantial coverage by creating a hard barrier between your window and any flying debris. Panels are attached to the outside of your home, providing a hard protective surface over your window. Installing panels gives you more protection than boarding up your windows.
2. Create a Flood Plan
Flooding is a common occurrence during hurricane season. It can happen when the timing of a storm’s landfall coincides with high tide. You can prevent minor flooding from entering your home with sandbags or by digging a trench around your doorway.
For a more severe event, you’ll need better protection. In case of emergency, gather supplies and pack a survival kit with essential items. If you’re forced to evacuate, quickly shut off electrical power or disconnect all of your appliances before moving to higher ground. Experts say it’s always a good idea to create an emergency plan before hurricane season begins.
A survival kit is for worst-case scenarios and can help if needed. Some of the essentials to pack include a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and food and water for several days.
Try to have a backup battery and charging cables for your cellphone devices. If you lose power, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio is great for listening to announcements from first responders and news updates telling you when it’s safe to go outside.
3. Prepare for Potential Power Outages
There’s a good chance that you’ll lose electricity during a hurricane. Power lines and transformers are vulnerable to high winds and lightning strikes.
In some cases, the power comes back in a matter of hours but it can also take several days. Prepare for the worst. If you can, purchase a generator. At the very least, charge all of your electronic devices in advance of a storm.
4. Print Important Documents
Print out some of the most important documents you can take with you at a moment’s notice. First responders and local government officials recommend that homeowners print out emergency phone numbers and insurance information for easy access. Without power, that’s information you won’t be able to get from your mobile phone or computer devices.
And speaking of computers, keep your computer information backed up on the cloud. Even if your computer is physically damaged in a storm, you won’t lose everything on it.
5. Florida Hurricane Preparedness Solutions
With hurricane advisories, alerts and storms every year, experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Hurricane Center worry that too many Floridians have been lulled into a false sense of security and don’t make a Florida hurricane preparedness plan. Experts warn that Florida hurricane protection should never be overlooked.
Home Safety Solutions is here to maximize your Florida hurricane preparedness. We offer hurricane screens, panels, shutters, and other product attachments. Contact us to learn more about Florida Hurricane Preparedness or to request a quote.