With Tropical Storm Colin cutting across Florida this week – the third named storm of the year, we have a clear reminder that hurricane season is very real and potentially very dangerous. June has barely begun but this hurricane season may be our most active in a while. Take a look at a few reminders and things to keep in mind if we’re affected by a major storm this year.
Hire Licensed Contractors for Repairs
When the wind and rain damage your home, causing leaks and other problems, it may seem like a smart decision to hire the inexpensive handyman with no license. What will you do if they do an awful job and cost you more money later? Hiring a licensed contractor means you have some recourse if the job doesn’t get finished or if they cause more of a problem then they fix. To check licenses, go to www.myfloridalicense.com or download the app from the Google Play or iTunes app store. This way you can always verify the license of anyone doing work on your home.
Make Changes to Your Insurance Before the Storm Forms
Once a storm is “in the box” – a specific distance from our coastline, for us that usually means in the Gulf of Mexico – insurers will not issue new policies or make changes to existing ones. It’s always best to make changes when the weather is still clear. After a storm is named and we’re watching it, you’ll have to wait until after it passes to make any changes to your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Stock Up on Supplies Early
Waiting until Jim Cantore is on Okaloosa Island isn’t the best time to buy bread, batteries, or water. You’ll be in the store with everyone else who waited until the last minute, and you may miss out. If you’ve lived in Florida for a while, it’s easy to become relaxed about hurricane season and the threat posed by storms. There’s nothing wrong with keeping yourself prepared, even if you don’t need your supplies this season. It’s much better than being caught off guard and dealing with traffic, big crowds, and bad weather to buy the last jug of water.
Even if all we see is a bit of rain and a few less days at the beach, a named storm so early in June is a good reminder that hurricane season is here, and anything can happen. Staying informed and being prepared will help ease some of the stress of the season.
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