Every homeowner in Florida worries about hurricane season. Luckily, there are ways to prepare your home. This guide may be able to help you prepare you and your family for severe storms and hurricanes.
The three main parts of hurricane home preparation are creating a plan, preparing your house, and preparing any vehicles or additional property you may have that may be at risk in the hurricane zone. The first priority of a hurricane preparedness plan is to safeguard you and your family, and then your property.
Getting reliable Florida home insurance is your #1 priority when preparing your home for a hurricane. Coverage can help you save thousands of dollars in the event of your home getting damaged by a hurricane.
The elevation level of your home is an important factor in determining whether your land is flood-prone. Check your elevation level to see whether it is likely for you to sustain storm surges or tidal flooding.
A flood map from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can help you see whether you live in a zone with high flooding risks. Florida properties usually have substantial risks of flooding, which impacts everything from flood insurance rates to how homes are built. Learn all about FEMA flood zones.
By covering your home’s windows, you can protect yourself from potential glass breakages and risks of glass shards in your home. The best way to protect your windows is usually to install permanent storm shutters. Another option is to board the windows up with plywood that is cut to fit.
Tape does not usually provide adequate protection when it comes to covering windows.
Unfortunately during hurricane season, many roofs have the risk of being damaged. Roof damage may be reduced if you install straps or clips to fasten your roof more securely to the house structure.
Trimming your nearby shrubbery and trees can help them become more wind resistant. If there are tall trees, be aware that they may fall onto your building in case of a severe storm.
Clearing clogged or loose rain gutters and downspouts can also help reduce damage to your property.
Wind damage can be extremely serious. Reinforce the doors to your garage to potentially avoid dangerous and expensive structural damages.
No matter if you have a hurricane shelter area, it is a good idea to determine which room is the safest in your home.
If you reside in a high-rise building, it is recommended that you take shelter below the 10th floor.
If you own additional property and valuables such as a boat, make sure you have a plan in place for securing your boat and storing it before hurricane season.
You never know when power might go out. A safely installed emergency generator may be able to help you out.
An important part of any hurricane emergency plan is to make sure you and your family have an emergency kit, a communication plan, as well as an evacuation plan. Everyone should be on the same page ahead of time so that in case of an emergency, the proper safety procedures can be made.
An emergency supply kit should be prepared well ahead of time and be kept in a safe location everyone is aware of. Essential supplies should include (but are not limited to):
Sometimes, a hurricane can hit when you aren’t home or able to access the emergency kit. Keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car, home, and wherever you think one may be necessary. It is always good to be prepared.
Learn about local evacuation routes for hurricanes. Finding higher ground is often key to safety. Discuss with your family where you would go in case of an emergency, as well as how you would get there in case of a hurricane.
A family and/or friend communication plan is important in case of an emergency. This can include shared information such as where to go in case of a hurricane, evacuation routes, and emergency contact information.