As a Realtor in Southwest Florida, I know firsthand the importance of being prepared for hurricane season. With the potential for devastating storms, it’s crucial to take the necessary steps to protect yourself, your home, and your community. In this post, we will go over some helpful tips on how to properly prepare for hurricane season in Southwest Florida.
Create a Hurricane Preparedness Plan
Creating a hurricane preparedness plan is the first step in getting ready for hurricane season. This plan should cover everything necessary to do before, during, and after a hurricane, as well as an evacuation plan in case you have to leave your residence. Make sure to go over the plan with your family to make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a great guide that should be the staple of your plan.
Stock up on Supplies
It’s important to stock up on supplies before a hurricane hits. This includes non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, a weather radio, and any necessary medications. Make sure to have enough supplies to last for at least three days. It’s also a good idea to have a portable radio and a fully charged cell phone. Note that often times the state of Florida has tax holidays for these supplies if purchased just prior to hurricane season.
Another big one is gas, should you choose to evacuate the area. Most of the time, gas stations end up running out of supplies quickly, so it is important you have a good supply far in advance of the storm. As the worst thing you could do is run out of gas while attempting to escape the area.
Protect Your Home
One of the most important steps in preparing for a hurricane is to protect your home. This includes installing hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows and doors, securing outdoor furniture, and trimming trees and bushes. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance, however you should be aware that there is often a wait time for coverage, so ensure you do so before hurricane season begins.
Know Your Evacuation Route
If you need to evacuate your home, it’s important to know your evacuation route. This includes what evacuation letter zone you are in, should that area be called for a mandatory evacuation. Make sure to have a map and know the location of local shelters as well as a streets map so you can safely follow your route out of town, should you choose to leave the area. Follow the instructions of local authorities and evacuate immediately if necessary.
Stay Informed
During a hurricane, it’s important to stay informed. Make sure to listen to local news and weather reports and follow the instructions of local authorities. If you have internet access, you can also monitor the National Hurricane Center website for updates on the storm. Otherwise, this is where a good weather radio comes in. Make sure you have extra batteries or, better yet, buy one that comes with a crank or solar panel so you never have to worry about staying informed. Here is one that I've personally purchased for my own kit: CLICK HERE.
Have a Backup Generator
A backup generator can provide power during a power outage. This is particularly important if you have medical equipment that requires electricity and should you choose to ride out the storm at home. Make sure to have a backup generator and test it before hurricane season so you can order any necessary repairs.
Plan for Your Pets
If you have pets, PLEASE DON'T FORGET ABOUT THEM!!! Make sure to have enough food and water for your pets, as well as any necessary medications. If you need to evacuate, make sure to take your pets with you. Often times shelters will allow you to bring your pets with you, but they must be cages/leashed and have all of their up to date vaccination paperwork.
Secure Important Documents
Make sure to secure important documents, such as passports, birth certificates, and insurance policies. Place these documents in a waterproof container and take them with you if you need to evacuate.
Prepare for Power Outages
Power outages are common during hurricanes. Make sure to have plenty of batteries for flashlights and a portable radio. You may also want to consider purchasing a portable charger for your cell phone.
Stay Calm
During a hurricane, it’s important to stay calm. Remember that hurricanes are a natural disaster and that local authorities are doing their best to keep you safe. Follow their instructions and stay informed.
In Conclusion
Preparing for hurricane season in Southwest Florida is essential. By creating a hurricane preparedness plan, stocking up on supplies, protecting your home, knowing your evacuation route, staying informed, having a backup generator, planning for your pets, securing important documents, preparing for power outages, and staying calm, you can help ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Remember, the most important thing is to stay safe and follow the instructions of local authorities.