Living in Florida has perks, like beautiful beaches and warm weather year-round. However, hurricane season between June and November is the other side of that coin. The good news is that taking steps now to safeguard your home and belongings can provide peace of mind and save you a lot of headaches (and expenses) down the road.
Securing your home’s exterior
Start by giving your property a thorough once-over. Strong winds are a hurricane’s calling card, so anything that can become airborne poses a risk.
- Trim your trees: Overhanging branches can easily snap and cause damage.
- Replace dangerous materials: Landscaping materials, patio furniture and broken window shutters can be hazardous in a storm, so it’s wise to replace and repair them.
- Reinforce your garage door: This is a common entry point for wind and water damage. Consider a reinforcement kit for added protection.
- Check your doors and windows: Be sure your exterior doors are hurricane-proof and all glass doors have tempered glass.
Taking these steps now can significantly minimize potential damage to your home.
Preparing your home’s interior
Once you’ve secured the outside, focus on preparing your home’s interior:
- Elevate valuables: Move valuable items to higher ground or upper floors.
- Prevent backups and surges: Install check valves in plumbing and install surge protectors to shield your appliances from power surges.
- Take inventory: Document your belongings with photos or videos for insurance purposes.
- Check your insurance: Ensure you have adequate coverage for hurricane damage, including flood insurance if you’re in a flood-prone area.
These actions can significantly reduce damage and make recovery easier if a storm affects your home.
Protecting yourself and your family
Perhaps the most important aspect of hurricane season preparedness is ensuring your family’s safety.
- Develop an evacuation plan: Know where you’ll go and how you’ll get there if evacuation orders are issued.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Stock up on water, non-perishable food, batteries, flashlights and first-aid supplies.
- Organize essential documents: Keep insurance policies, identification and other vital documents in a waterproof container.
Having a plan can make all the difference when a storm is approaching.
Thorough preparation can seem overwhelming, but starting now can help you spread out expenses and make improvements gradually. The effort you put in now can save you from much distress and loss later. So, start preparing today to ensure safety and peace of mind throughout the hurricane season.