A Floridian’s Personal Hurricane Tips to Survive Hurricane Season. 

Introduction

I am a Floridian, living in the direct path of a hurricane since 1989. I know all too well the devastation a hurricane will leave behind. In fact, the main reason I am writing this, is hurricanes are bigger, stronger, and venturing in areas where people are not prepared, or do not have experience with a hurricane.  The Red Cross  has some excellent information to help guide you to slowly prepare yourself for a hurricane. Take a look, use it as a guide. I will ad some extra tips to get you through any storm as I review and gather my own personal items to prepare for hurricane season. Please keep in mind, this is only a guide and some storms are too powerful even for the best prepared individual. Sometimes, it is 100% necessary to evacuate. There is no storm worth your or your loved one’s life.

Tis’ the Season

According to The National Weather Service, the Atlantic hurricane season runs between June 1 and November 13. The Pacific Ocean hurricane season is May 15 through November 13. Technology has made it easier for meteorologists to track dangerous storm days before they make landfall. Even the best predictions are just that, predictions. Anyone who spends time living in a hurricane prone area knows one key thing.  A hurricane is unpredictable and will change course rapidly and unexpectedly. It is up to you to prepare for the worst, and hope for the best long before a storm is near. Part one of my hurricane readiness series will discuss exactly the same steps I use to maintain readiness for hurricane season. Following along with this will provide some guidance, keep you prepared, save valuable time, and help ease stress when a hurricane approaches your area.

Year Round Preparation For Hurricanes And Tropical Storms

There are a number of things that should be part of regular home maintenance that help protect your home against violent storms.

What To Do On The Outside

• Keep roof in good repair. Loose shingles will blow off during a storm and allow water to penetrate; resulting in leaks, mold, and other damage. Have a professional walk your roof before hurricane season. Fix any loose shingle and caulk and seal around any water entry points, including skylights. 
• Keep gutters clear of leaves and other debris that can cause rain to back up onto the roof and contribute to leaks and water damage. 
• Remove dead branches from trees and shrubs. Have any sick or dead trees removed. Trees and branches are notorious for falling on homes and cars during severe storms. 
• Be sure windows and doors don’t leak. New caulking and seals can reduce or even stop water intrusion. If your windows leak, consider replacing them. 

Window Protection

• If you are in an area that sees frequent tropical storms or hurricanes, the installation of storm shutters is an excellent investment for the safety of your home. Living inland, this is less likely a necessary investment. However, If you have a home or condominium that has a lot of windows, having hurricane shutters is a smart investment regardless of your location.
• Purchase sheets of plywood and have them cut to size. In addition, label the location of each piece and keep the proper amount of mounts and equipment for installation attached to each.
• Caution: Purchasing plywood for your home or business is a personal preference.  If you are on or near the coast hurricane shutters are ideal. Plywood can come loose and become projectile, even the lowest hurricane force winds can shake plywood loose. In addition, a loose piece of plywood can lead to injury, and further damage to your home or business. Personally, if you are going to install plywood, have the proper knowledge and equipment. After installation, leave your home or business according to your evacuation plan. Sealing potential exit points of your home can prevent you from evacuating, and lead to injury or even death if a fire, roof collapse, or other major damage occurs.

Other Preparations

• Get in the habit of keeping bicycles, sports equipment, tools, and lawn mowers in a secure building. Even a strong thunderstorm can have strong enough winds to toss things around and cause damage. 
• Start removing lawn decorations, signs and other items that can easily pull away from the ground.
• Keep storm drains free of debris and curbside gutter free of obstructions such as sand and leaves.
• Have a storm closet or bin where you keep emergency items. Begin purging and moving items for the proper amount of space you will need based on your family size. An interior room, closet, or even a hall can be a safe zone.
• Have similar items separated in bins and label. Also, keep consumable separate and label them with a waterproof marker for easy access. Hint: I use two sides of the closet. One for food, water and other consumable items. The other is for non-consumable items in order of priority. 
• Have an evacuation plan in place. In the unfortunate event of a tree falling, fire, tornado, or other. In addition, long before any storm, have a discussion with your family where to meet for a safety check. Review frequently with younger children.
• Get to know your neighbors. During a storm most neighbors are more than accommodating and will open their home as a refuge if no other option is available.
• Read over your insurance coverage, specifically hurricane deductibles. It’s good practice to discuss insurance coverage annually and be sure  you are well covered in the event of a hurricane. Also, discuss flood and wind coverage. Keep your policy handy with all other important documents.
• Get trained on basic first aid. The American Red Cross offers basic first aid courses if necessary.

Final Words

Proper maintenance and some basic knowledge long before the storm is paramount in hurricane prone areas. It can take extended time to make repairs or replace any wind and water damage from a hurricane. Keeping up on proper maintenance and the basics is not only good for your home, it allows proper budgeting for the season. Keep in mind, this is only a guide. If at anytime you feel unsafe. Follow your designated evacuation route and move to your closest appropriate evacuation center.

 

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