Hurricane season can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never lived through one before. Florida is the most heavily hit state because of its location between the gulf and the Atlantic Ocean: so if you live here, it’s a good idea to get ready for the eventual storms that will head your way.
This is how anyone should prepare for their first hurricane season in Florida and why it’s important to be as prepared as possible.
Pay Attention to the News
Going into and during hurricane season, the news will be your most important outlet. This means checking in on the Weather Channel and local news stations to see what they’re saying. Some news sites will even allow you to get email alerts when there’s a formation starting that could eventually head your way.
Although this can feel like a lot to pay attention to, even a five-second check-in every day can be enough to keep updated until a storm appears.
Secure Your Windows and Doors
If you start checking if your doors and windows are well-sealed after a storm is already headed your way, you waited too long. Instead, check these parts of your property the moment you buy or start renting it. You can check for air leaks by walking by closed doors and windows and seeing if the candle’s flame pulls strongly one way or another. If it does, you have an air leak you need to work on.
If you can, consider updating up to storm windows to protect your home even further. Nobody wants to risk their entire home simply because their windows couldn’t handle the strong winds.
Have an Emergency Evacuation Plan
Emergency evacuations are no joke. The moment word goes out that you’ll need to evacuate, it’s time to go. Get an emergency evacuation kit put together so that you can hit the road if there are calls for you to leave.
This kit should include any important paperwork about your and your family members’ identities, a flashlight, local maps, changes of clothes, phone chargers and batteries, a manual can opener, some food, and communication devices that will fit in your vehicle. It’s a good idea to already have homeowners’ insurance and take the time to document what valuables you own before the storm sweets towards you.
Remove Any Lawn Furniture
When looking at houses for rent in Jacksonville, you’ll notice a lot of cute lawn furniture since so many people love splitting their time inside and outside here. This is always nice when the weather is clear, but the moment a hurricane hits, these items become projectiles that will crash through doors and windows and possibly harm people. Try to gather any of your lawn furniture into your home or a shed or garage.
Keep your garage closed. Although some are under the false impression that keeping it open will stop it from crumpling or gaining damage: this will end up harming your property even more.
Hurricanes Are a Part of Life Here
Hurricanes are going to happen to you if you live in Florida. It’s vital that you’re prepared for them.
