Preparing for Hurricane Season
You’ve heard it a thousand times before, but here we are reminding you once more: Hurricane season is upon us, and we’re officially in the peak of its season until late October. As we’re currently also in the middle of a global pandemic, it’s understandable if thoughts of hurricanes and taking our usual precautions have been pushed to the back of our minds. That’s what we’re here to remind you of. Unfortunately, hurricanes don’t stop for pandemics, and neither should your plan to prepare for one. Here, we’re listing the top four things that should be on your preparedness agenda, inspired by this article from the Insurance Information Institute.
1. Plan your evacuation route
This step serves two purposes in today’s day and age. Living in south Florida, we can easily become trapped if a storm approaches. And living during this pandemic, getting out of town to quarantine in a remote nature setting is a good way to relieve some stress and take some time off. In case of an impending storm, plan for an evacuation location that’s out of the hurricane’s path and in a place where you can stay safe and relaxed.
2. Stock up on supplies
During a hurricane, supplies consist of both food staples and emergency items. Head to the grocery or an all-purpose store to stock up on things like non-perishable food items (think canned goods, fruit, snacks, etc), bottled water, batteries, candles, matches, prescription drugs, and a flashlight. Don’t forget gas, too, especially if you’re traveling!
3. Inspect your home
Especially if you’re a long-time resident of this state, we don’t have to tell you what kind of damages can be done during a hurricane. Review your homeowners insurance policy and take inventory of your property; depending on the severity of the storm, we recommend grabbing a digital camera or your phone to snap photos of your home’s exterior.
4. Take steps for protection
Once you’ve done a proper inspection and have taken inventory, take proper steps to ensure your home is protected against heavy winds and water damage. Board up windows (if necessary), remove any flimsy or unstable patio furniture or pool accessories, tie down or remove any landscaping casualties like weak branches, etc. If you need any heavy-duty materials to be installed, call on local maintenance professionals.
Stay safe this hurricane season. If you’re an absentee homeowner (especially those here in Florida), consider hiring a property manager to watch over your home during times like these for some peace of mind. Visit the property management tab on our home page to learn more about our services.