June 1st is officially the beginning of hurricane season. While we have had a great decade of little to no activity, aside from Hurricane Matthew in 2016, it is always important to be prepared.
Here are 6 tips to prepare for hurricane season:
1. Take pictures of your property and video
For insurance purposes, make sure you can easily show the damage (hopefully none, but you never know, so better safe than sorry) that a hurricane has done to your property. This could be the difference between getting full compensation for damages.
2. Cut back any trees close to your home
Make sure you don’t have any tall trees that are hanging over your property. All it takes is one gust of wind in the right (wrong) direction and you can have a window through your roof or a window. Here is a list of native trees and plants that are considered “hurricane resistant”. http://www.floridagardener.com/monthly/hurricaneresistanttrees.htm
3. Purchase the appropriate supplies
Have plenty of batteries, flashlights, non-perishable foods and water (1 gallon per person for 3 days is recommended) stocked up. Make sure you have your tools, supplies, candles, and first aid kits available and within easy access.
4. Keep your gas tank full
Consider 3/4 of a tank empty. You don’t want to be left without fuel or in long lines if you have to get somewhere ASAP.
5. Fill up containers with extra fuel
Especially if you have a generator(s), you’ll want to make sure you have extra fuel to get you through long periods of no power. If you don’t have a generator, stock up on propane and charcoal because you will probably be doing a lot of grilling as the food begins to thaw out.
6. Have all your electronics on a full charge
Keep all your phones, tablets and laptops on a full charge. You’ll need to be able to make calls and text, and if bored, watch movies on your devices =)
6. Safety and water
Always discuss and have a safety plan with your family. Have cash on hand and plenty of water. To better ensure that you and your family are safe during severe weather and possible electrical outages click on the links below.
The Florida’s Division of Emergency Management’s Web site can guide you in developing a personal disaster plan for your family and your business. The site also gives you tips on how to strengthen your home. Links to other resources can be found throughout this Web site. For instance, your county’s disaster plan can be located through this link on the Web site, http://www.floridadisaster.org/fl_county_em.asp
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Web site gives disaster planning assistance, plus information on how to recover and rebuild after a disaster strikes. Forms on how to apply for federal government assistance are also available.
The National Hurricane Center gives you the latest information on developing storms that could impact Florida and provides tracking charts.
These are just a few tips to help you take some precaution, but have an evacuation plan in place for the whole family and be safe. You know what they say…when you’re prepared nothing happens. When you’re not, that’s when it comes.
Be prepared!
One thought on “6 Essential Tips to Prepare for Hurricane Season”
I agree that you should stock up on propane for storm season. I need to get a couple of new tanks. My wife and I want to be able to burn the stove when the power is out.