The worst thing that people who live along coastlines can do is not to prepare for tropical storms and hurricanes.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the two key factors contributing to weather safety during hurricanes are preparing in advance for the risks and to act on those preparations when alerted by emergency officials. Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare for the 2019 Hurricane Season!
1. Evacuation planning
The main reason people have to evacuate during hurricanes is from a storm surge, which is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm’s winds that can reach heights well over 20 feet and can span hundreds of miles of coastlines, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Evacuation planning is number one on the list.
I urge owners to find out today if they live in a hurricane evacuation area, which is an area in which residents must leave their homes in the event of a hurricane.Local governments provide the public with information about evacuation areas and the evacuation plans.
Some people will actually test the evacuation route in good weather. Waiting until the day of the hurricane isn’t a smart idea since everyone will be in a heightened state of anxiety.
While people who live in storm surge areas fall within areas that are urged to evacuate during a hurricane, people who live outside of these zones should still look into safety precautions during a hurricane.
2. Buy supplies
This is one of the most important things! Buying supplies well in advance and keeping those supplies on hand should evacuation be required will make life much easier. You do not want to be the last ones to get to the store. Local stores do their best to stock up prior to the storms arrival, but supplies are limited. If you wait until the hurricane is on your doorsteps, you are going to be waiting in long lines and they could even be out of the stuff you need.
Those living in evacuation areas should keep a hurricane kit handy that is stored in a way that is easy to grab and bring to an evacuation shelter. These kits should include water, food, blankets and clothing.
Other Hurricane Kit Essentials include: first aid kit, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flash lights and plenty of batteries, whistle to signal for help, and local maps.
EXTRA TIPS – You should fill up your bath tubs with water. You’ll also want to gas up your car because local gas stations will run dry.
3. Check insurance coverage
Property owners and renters should be sure to insure their homes against flooding. Many people do not realize it is not apart of standard home and renters insurance.
Tenants and home owners can contact their renters or home insurance provider to buy flood insurance, and they should do so even if they do not live right along the coastline.
4. Make copies of important documents
Those living in or near hurricane areas should make copies of proof of ownership documents of any property not limited to their homes, cars and boats.
These documents can be stored in the hurricane kit or in any safe location that does not risk being damaged during the hurricane.
5. Protect your home
Residents and tenants should inspect their homes to confirm that there is no damage that a hurricane could increase.
Any issues with the overall structure should be repaired, including loose shingles or damaged roofs. Any possible compromises to the roof or house will become an open avenue for strong and gusty winds.
Residences with yards should also put away or secure anything laying on the ground outside that could get tossed into the air and become debris during high winds.
If you have storm shutters, be sure to install them onto your windows and doors to secure your home from damaging winds. If you do not have storm shutters, no worries! You can purchase supplies, including plywood to cover windows and extra security to keep doors from blowing open at your local hardware store.
6. Back up your electronics
Aside from keeping extra batteries and chargers around during a hurricane, people are also encouraged to backup any electronic devices.
Christine Cleek
ABR, CRS, SFR, E-Pro
Broker, Owner
Rising Star Real Estate
850-217-0990
2016 Voted in the TOP 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL
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