A hurricane is characterized by a cyclone of thunderstorms, violent winds, and torrential downpours. The intense winds can turn tornadic and cause a lot of damage. Authorities use the Saffir-Simpson scale to measure a hurricane’s category.
Unfortunately, hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 to November 30 and threatens homeowners with high-speed winds, torrential rain, and other serious weather. To avoid a last-minute scramble when the first-named storms roll in, take extra precautions to prepare your home for the first storms of the season.
Here’s a list of ways you can prepare your home for hurricane season in Florida.
Surge Protection
Power surges are critical problems during a storm and can happen at any time, leading to damaged electronics and appliances. Add a surge protector to your electrical board and use power strips with built-in surge protection in your home. Bear in mind that your HVAC system, including the air conditioner and furnace, will also require protection.
Protect Your HVAC System
Protect your outdoor AC unit against airborne debris, dirt, dust, and projectiles. When these environmental pollutants or allergens accumulate in the unit, it can cause significant damage to the system, leading to reduced overall health and lifespan of the unit.
Because an HVAC system is an expensive piece of equipment in your home, any damage to it can void the warranty. Make sure you purchase a protective cover approved by the manufacturer to protect the system. Avoid using DIY solutions, such as a garbage bag, to prevent moisture accumulation inside the system.
Do Away With Debris
Although it is not possible to clear out the entire neighborhood of heavy unstable branches and other debris, you can remove or secure many things around your property to avoid airborne projectiles. These things include low-hanging tree branches or limbs, lawn furniture, toys, and other debris. Ask your friends or family members to help you remove debris and secure objects. If you can’t do this yourself, make sure you hire a professional debris removal company.
Store Plywood
Many homeowners in Florida don’t have shutters to protect windows from airborne projectiles. Whenever a storm is announced, many people rush to the hardware store to stock up on plywood to cover their windows, this often leads to a shortage. Throughout the year, stock up and store plywood in a garage or shed to use during hurricane season. This will save you the added stress of rushing to the store before a storm. Better yet, store your wood year after year so that you have a set hurricane protection process in place.
Seal Doors & Windows
Sealing doors and windows is an excellent way to prepare your home for hurricane season. Leaky windows and doors allow water to seep in and cause damage to the internal structure of your home. When you seal windows and doors, your home will become more energy-efficient too, which is an added benefit during hurricane season.
Clear Drains & Gutters
Remove debris from your gutters and downspouts to prevent water from seeping in and collecting around your property, especially the indoor space. A clean gutter will prevent damage to your home’s attic, basement, and garage during a severe storm.
Focus on Collecting Essential Items
You can ride the storm out at home depending on its strength or where it lands. Therefore, we recommend having everything you need to protect yourself and your family at home. For instance, purchase at least three to four flashlights with spare batteries, prepare a first-aid kit, and have enough non-perishable food and water supply to last at least two weeks.
Develop an Evacuation Plan
Sometimes, the storm worsens and can cause significant damage to the property and neighborhood, forcing residents to leave town and seek shelter. If there is a mandatory evacuation, make sure you have already established a plan of action.
When developing a plan, focus on the evacuation route and choose shelter locations where you can stay safe and comfortable with your family. Don’t forget to focus on having enough supplies, including water, food, first-aid, and medication for your family members and pets. Here is an essential checklist:
Get a hurricane emergency kit
Check Your Homeowners Insurance
Maintain Outdoor Areas
Get Ready when the authorities announce the storm
Stock Up On Sandbags
Prep Your Pool
Five gallons of water for every family member
Food supply for 3-5 days
Batteries and flashlights
Medicine and first aid kit
Extra gas for generator and grill
Fill the gas tank in your vehicle
Turn your refrigerator down
Monitor news for the latest updates
Final Words
Hurricanes are often unpredictable, intense, violent and can take a massive toll on your property, especially if you fail to make necessary preparations. There are many ways to prepare your home and family for a major disaster long before the storm looms on the horizon. The tips and tricks given above can help you prepare for the worst.