As we approach the peak of hurricane season in Florida, it is important to be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane.
Here are some hurricane preparedness tips from Neighborhood Windows & Doors to help you keep your family safe:
1. Make a plan. The first step to hurricane preparedness is to make a plan for your family. This plan should include:
Where you will go if you need to evacuate: Have a plan for where you will stay, how you will get there, and what you will need to take with you.
How you will communicate with each other: Make sure you have a way to stay in touch with your family members in case of a power outage or cell phone service disruption.
What you will do with your pets: If you have pets, make sure you have a plan for how you will care for them during a hurricane.
2. Secure your home. Make sure your home is secure by:
Trimming trees and shrubs: This will help to prevent trees from falling on your home during a storm.
Boarding up windows: If you do not have impact windows, you may need to board up your windows to protect them from the wind and rain.
Securing loose items: This includes anything that could be blown away by the wind, such as patio furniture, garbage cans, and toys.
3. Create an emergency kit. An emergency kit should include:
Food: Enough food to last for at least three days.
Water: Enough water to last for at least three days.
First-aid supplies: A basic first-aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, and other essential supplies.
Flashlight: A flashlight with extra batteries.
Battery-powered radio: A battery-powered radio with extra batteries.
Cash: Some cash in case ATMs are not working.
Important documents: Copies of important documents, such as birth certificates, passports, and insurance policies.
Pet supplies: If you have pets, make sure you have food, water, and other supplies for them.
4. Stay informed. It is important to stay informed about the latest hurricane forecasts and warnings. You can do this by:
Listening to the radio: Many radio stations will broadcast hurricane updates.
Watching the news: Many news channels will provide hurricane coverage.
Checking the National Hurricane Center website: The National Hurricane Center website provides up-to-date information on all tropical storms and hurricanes.
5. Be prepared to evacuate. If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not wait until the last minute.
In addition to these tips, here are some other things you can do to prepare for a hurricane:
Get a home inspection: A home inspection can help you identify any potential problems with your home that could be exacerbated by a hurricane.
Purchase flood insurance: Flood insurance is not typically covered by homeowners insurance, so it is important to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.
Stock up on supplies: In addition to food and water, you should also stock up on other supplies, such as batteries, flashlights, and first-aid kits.
Make a financial plan: In the event of a hurricane, you may need to take some time off work or make other financial adjustments. It is important to have a plan in place so that you are not caught off guard.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your family safe during a hurricane.
If you have any questions about hurricane preparedness, please contact Neighborhood Windows & Doors at 321-735-8002.