The 1st of June marked the beginning of hurricane season, so it’s safe to say we’ll be seeing a few storms in the next five months. Every year, forecasters make their predictions and give out vital information to those living in affected areas such as the state of Florida. This year, forecasters are expecting the 2019 hurricane season to be near to normal, with 4-8 hurricanes forming in the Atlantic.
Being adequately prepared is essential to protect your property, and most importantly, your own and your family’s life. Here’s our advice on how to prepare for a hurricane in Florida.
Understanding the Forecast
If you’re not a long-time resident of Florida, you’re probably not familiar with some of the terms that get thrown around during these situations. The most important thing to understand is the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. Watches are issued 48 hours in advance and are meant to warn the public about a possible hurricane and/or tropical storm impacting the area. Warnings are issued 36 hours ahead and indicate that a hurricane impact is expected in the area.
During a watch, you’ll always want to do the following:
Securing Your Home Before a Hurricane
Start by securing your property in the event of strong winds, tropical storms, and potential floods.
- Reinforce your windows and external doors by covering them with shutters or pieces of wood. It’s also a good idea to have hurricane impact windows and doors installed beforehand. They do not shatter like standard windows, but rather crack in a spider web-like pattern. Even when broken, it is estimated that these windows can survive winds reaching a speed of up to 200 miles per hour.
- Trim your trees and shrubs. Cut off weak branches and remove them from your property. You don’t want them flying around and causing damage.
- Reinforce the roof and secure rain gutters.
- All the items in your yard that can be carried by strong winds should be moved inside. This means outdoor furniture, decor, garbage cans, and even gravel or rock landscaping.
- Seal outdoor vents with a water-proof material such as caulk.
What to Stock Up On for a Hurricane
After securing your property, you’ll want to stock up on supplies and have an evacuation plan in case the officials deem it necessary. These are some of the supplies you’ll want to have:
- Drinking water that will last you and your family at least three days.
- Food that has a longer shelf life and doesn’t require refrigeration. Canned fish and meat, Rice, Canned Beans, Baby Food, etc.
- First-aid kit
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Candles and matches
- Can opener
- Personal hygiene items
- Basic tools
- Specialized weather radio
- In case of a power outage, having a power generator that runs on gas can be a lifesaver.
Preparing for The Aftermath
Once the storm has passed, proceed with caution and beware of outdoor hazards. These are most commonly loose tree branches that are waiting to fall off or dangling power lines. It’s also not advisable to drink tap water without boiling it first until the officials state otherwise.
These are some of the necessary safety precautions you should take in order to prepare for hurricane season properly. We hope that now you have a better understanding of what to do before during and after a hurricane. If you are looking for a professional service that offers hurricane protection windows and doors, Elite Impact is the answer to all your needs. We are Miami’s leader in Eco Impact Windows, so don’t hesitate to give us a call. Be prepared and stay safe!
