When a hurricane hits, panic can set it making it hard to find items. Prepare now so if there is a storm, you can ensure you, your family, and home are protected.
Prep your home
Take steps now to secure your property against rain and high winds. Here’s a few things to start with:
- Trim trees to remove weak branches
- Install hurricane-proof doors
- Install storm shutters to windows
- Replace exterior glass with tempered glass
- Have a plan for outdoor furniture, potted plants, toys, and items that can fly around and bust out windows or damage the property.
Emergency Planning
Create an emergency plan, including your evacuation route.
Know how you and your family will communicate during a hurricane and how you will receive emergency alerts. If you are in an area that may be evacuated locate your evacuation shelter.
Before a hurricane arrives, make sure everyone in the family understands the plan, including children.
Inventory your belonging & important documents
If your home is damaged during a hurricane and you may have to file an insurance claim. If you do, you'll have to provide an inventory of items that were destroyed to the adjuster. Completing the following items now can make that process easier:
- Make a list of possessions room by room
- Take photos and videos of your home’s interior, exterior, and each room
Be sure each document has a digital copy so that if your home is destroyed and your safe can't be recovered, you still have copies of everything.
You’ll also want to keep make copies of and secure important documents:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Social Security cards
- Military service records
- Insurance policies
- Tax statements
- Health records
- Financial records
It's impossible to prevent a hurricane, but you can take steps now to keep your family and home safe if one hits.
Be prepared
Potentially damaging storms are a constant concern for homeowners and renters in Florida. 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.
If you are a renter you will want to check with your landlord before boarding windows or attempting repairs.
For more information on hurricane prepping click here.
Ashley Cook
Assistant Property Manager