By Yasmene Warren
With Florida being a peninsula, we have 360 miles of coastline to play with. Not only does this make us a prime destination for beachgoers, but it also makes us more susceptible to hurricanes.
June 1 marked the start of hurricane season, running until November 1, and whether you’re a Florida native or you’ve just touched down on our grounds, you need to know everything there is to know about prepping for a hurricane. Protect your home from natural disasters with these six tips!
1. Weatherproof Your Home
Hurricanes in Florida are no joke. If you’re a homeowner or expect to be one soon in the Sunshine State, it’s vital that you make your home weatherproof.
The windows are the first thing you should tend to when prepping for hurricane season. Because they’re made of glass, they’re extra vulnerable to high winds that can send debris flying straight through!
Board up the outside of your windows with wooden planks to ensure that nothing can get inside. You should also be mindful of your front door. Make sure nothing is loose or weak enough to be blown in by strong winds.
Buy sandbags to help fight off potential flooding. Place them at the base of all entry points to your home, including front, back, patio, and garage doors.
If your home has gutters, make sure they’re cleaned out before a storm comes through. If there’s no clear pathway for stormwater to travel, then it can reroute its way into your home.
2. Trim or Remove Trees & Clean Your Yard
Dead tree limbs are the bane of existence for every Florida homeowner during hurricane season. Strong winds and rain can knock dead branches loose and send them flying — and your home or property might be the victim.
Maybe you’re an avid yard decorator or you’re a parent with kids whose larger toys live in your yard. Once hurricane season rolls around, you’ll definitely want to remove any and everything from your yard that can easily be hurled by high-speed winds. The last thing you want to see is your trampoline in your neighbor’s yard!
3. Check on Your Roof
Leaks and flooding are very common hurricane damages, and the risk for both is increased when you have a faulty roof. Check your roof for loose tiles or shingles, and make sure everything underneath is properly sealed so nothing gets in.
4. Remove Outdoor Furniture
Again, strong winds can easily send normally heavy things flying during a hurricane. If your patio is decked out with furniture, it’s best to remove and store them out of harm’s way.
5. Establish a Crawl Space
In the event that a hurricane reaches Category 4 or 5, you may want to establish a designated crawl space in your home. Shoot for places that typically don’t have windows, such as a closet or, in some homes, a bathroom. The more walls you’re surrounded by, the better your chances of making it out safely are.
6. Stock up on the Essentials
We’re showing you how to prepare your home for a hurricane, so there's no need to purchase an endless supply of gasoline — a full tank and a can or two should suffice.
If you plan to stay in your home, be sure to stock up on necessities that will ensure you don’t have to brave the storm. Water is the most essential of them all, both for drinking and for other purposes (flushing the toilet, bathing, etc). It’s standard to purchase at least a gallon per person — and don’t forget about your pets!
As for food, purchase plenty of non-perishables. Should you lose power or don’t have a generator, you’ll want to make sure you have food that doesn’t need to be frozen, refrigerated, or heated up. Canned soups, fruits, vegetables, cereals, or protein bars are just a few items that have a long shelf life.
Buy flashlights and lanterns. Hurricanes are scary, but so is navigating your life in the dark. If you lose power, flashlights and lanterns are a life saver. It won’t hurt to have nature’s torch handy as well! Keep candles and lighters around the house in case your artificial light has a low battery.
Keep a first-aid kit on hand. Injuries are the last thing we want to incur during a natural disaster, but in the event than you do, it’s important to have the necessary supplies nearby.
You may already have basic hygiene items in your home, but you might want to stock up on personal hygiene items per person. Wipes, mouthwash, and other sanitary products can help maintain personal cleanliness if you find yourself without water at any point after the storm.
Overall
Hurricane season is already here, so make haste and be sure to follow all of our tips to ensure you make it out safely. Hurricanes are nothing new to Florida, but if they’re new to you, then you don’t want to be unprepared.
If you’re making a move to Central Florida during hurricane season and need expert assistance on selling your Orlando home, or finding the right home for you, our team would love to help!
The Orlando Real is sponsored by The Pozek Group. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Orlando, reach out and we would love to help!
Search Orlando Real Estate Listings
Leave A Comment