Here in Florida, hurricane season is as expected as mangos in the summertime.
Although most know the season is coming, many Floridians don’t begin their hurricane preparations until the first hurricane warning is issued. By that point, all of the non-perishable food, generators, and bottled water are gone, and the panic begins to set in.
Let’s think one step ahead this year, shall we?
Keep reading to learn about how to prepare for hurricanes during this season.
Keep an Emergency Stash of Non-Perishable Food and Supplies
When a hurricane warning arises, people start running to the stores. Supplies become scarce, and you’re lucky if you find even the most basic non-perishable goods.
Although the length of a hurricane can be between a few hours to a day or two, the impacts of a hurricane are long-lasting. It can take up to a few weeks for the city to fix fallen power lines, leaving its citizens without electricity.
Get ahead of the panic rush to the grocery stores by preparing an emergency supply stash for your home as soon as possible. This should include the following:
- Flashlights and/or candles
- Extra batteries and/or matches
- Plywood and materials for an emergency repair in case of damage
- First aid kit
- Dry and canned foods
- At least a 3-day supply of water
- Generator
- Toolbox
- Medications
Keep your supplies together in a waterproof box so you won’t have to search for them when a hurricane is on its way.
Plan Your Escape Route In Case of an Evacuation
If you live near the coast or in an unreliable home, creating an evacuation plan early is the best way to plan ahead before a hurricane hits. If evacuation is necessary, your local government will let you know.
In the case of necessary evaluation, it is important to know your zone and make an evacuation plan accordingly. Don’t forget to consider your pets in your evacuation plan, and bring your emergency supply with you.
Protect Your Home From Hurricane Disaster
Hurricanes cause heavy winds and storm-surges that can destroy landscapes and homes. Materials like tree branches and bricks can break windows and puncture walls during a storm, and lead to flooding within the home.
Follow this checklist to protect your home from damage during a hurricane:
- Install storm shutters on windows or nail down plywood on windows
- Cut weak branches off trees that could fall on your home
- Replace doors to hurricane-proof door or install dead-bolts to better secure doors
- Cover sliding glass doors with shutters or plywood
- Replace old garage doors with wide pressure and impact protection approved doors
- Bring any outdoor furniture and large objects in your yard inside before the storm
- Make sure your HAVC AC unit is safely secured outside
It’s best to start making these preparations as soon as it looks like a storm is coming your way, so you’re don’t have to panic.
Are You Ready to Learn How to Prepare For Hurricanes Even Further?
Although there is no way to fully prevent a hurricane from damaging your property, there are many precautions that can be taken to keep you and your home safe during a storm. Now that you know how to prepare for hurricanes, you can go into this year’s hurricane season fully prepared.
If you found this article helpful, check out our blog here to learn more about protecting your Florida home from anything nature has to offer.
