Potentially damaging storms are a constant concern for homeowners and renters in Florida. With Hurricane season officially starting this month, it is a good time to prepare your home for the heavy wind and rain.
Know the Details of Your Insurance Policy
Knowing the limits and details of your homeowners' insurance policy will help prepare you for making claims if a storm damages your property. Your insurance agent will be able to explain how your policy relates to your financial exposure and can help you decide on the type of coverage that best protects your home.
If you rent your home, you may want to look into coverage for your personal possessions as well as how you will financially prepare for alternate living arrangements should you be forced to relocate.
Get Your House Ready for the Storm, Should It Come
Some pre-hurricane season maintenance items to consider:
- Remove dead tree branches or trimming branches that are close to the house.
- Clean out your gutters and make sure gutters and downspouts are securely fastened to the house.
- Assess the condition of your roof, siding, windows, and doors. Old or damaged components of the home’s exterior are more likely to leak.
- Consider having a portable generator on hand and know the limits of what your generator can power. Also, know how to operate your generator safely. Keep enough fuel on hand and store it safely as well.
Prepare Yourself and Your Family
Along with your home maintenance, make sure you and your family are prepared in the event of an evacuation or if you are temporarily unable to use your home because of damage. Pay attention to hurricane watches (this means you have about 2 days before you may be impacted) and hurricane warnings (this means you have about 36 hours before you may be impacted). Have emergency supplies like non-perishable foods, basic medications, bottled water, a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a battery-operated radio, and cash on hand.
It is also important to protect your legal, medical, and insurance documents. First you should make copies and place them in a plastic bag, or binder so that you can grab quickly should you have to evacuate. Another option is to scan, or take photos using your phone and upload them to the Cloud for easy access from anywhere.
Your home is often the biggest investment you have so be sure to do everything you can to mitigate the risk of damaging weather during hurricane season. If you are unsure of what your home may need, contact a reputable contractor for assistance.
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