Hurricane Preparedness

Florida is best known for its warm weather and sandy beaches. Paradise is one word commonly used to describe Florida by visitors and residents alike. But Florida also has a not so great season, hurricane season.

In recent weeks we saw the damage Hurricane Helene caused on the west coast of Florida and throughout the region. Today we are set to be hit again, this time by Hurricane Milton, a deadly category 5 hurricane that will likely bring lots of wind and rain as well as up to 15-feet storm surge. Evacuations are ongoing as Floridians on the west coast seek refuge inland and to the north.

Before leaving your home or business, be sure you have a plan. Make arrangements in advance of getting on the road. Book your hotel or rental property with anticipation. Remember, you won’t be alone when evacuating an area and hotels only have so many rooms.

Pack the essentials and your important documents including passports, birth certificates, social security cards, insurance documents (home insurance, medical insurance, life insurance, etc.), bank cards and statements to access cash if needed. If you are driving, obviously bring your license and registration documents and fuel up ahead of time.

Bring your valuables and family keepsakes that you want to safeguard. Many people pack jewelry and other personal possessions that are easily transported. This is especially true for folks who have heirlooms that have been passed down from generations.

If you are leaving your home or business, be sure to lock all windows and doors and if you have impact or hurricane proof windows and doors, engage the hurricane locks. Have shutters? Be sure to get those up ahead of time to make certain you are fully protected. Accordion shutters are a great solution and are far easier to use. For those shutters with lock and key, be sure to take the keys with you. Don’t count on the power being on when you return so the power operated garage door won’t be working. Having the key for the shutters will allow you to access an entry point.

Near the water? Be sure to elevate your most important items by relocating them to a second story or placing them on top of a

high shelf or pantry. Water damage is a leading cause of loss when it comes to waterfront homes which means you have to take extra precautions when preparing for a storm.

For more information about hurricane season and how to prepare, visit the national hurricane center or your local news network website where you’ll find more details on hurricane season and ways to prepare.

– Rafael Amador