We’re currently between hurricane seasons here in central Florida, but it’s always a good idea to keep hurricane preparedness in the back of your mind so you can be certain you and your home are ready should another storm come through. With how common hurricanes are in Florida, every homeowner should make it a priority to assess the risks their home faces and create emergency plans that protect themselves and their property against potential storms.
Here are a few tips for hurricane prep for 2020 for you to keep in mind throughout the coming year in central Florida:
- Have a fully stocked emergency kit: This is one of the simplest and most important hurricane prep tasks you can take on. You should have a fully stocked emergency kit that includes first aid supplies, a flashlight (with extra batteries), several days’ worth of water and nonperishable foods, towels, necessary medications and a battery-powered radio. Make sure you check the kit every now and then to ensure it still has everything you need.
- Know how you’ll contact family: If phone lines are down or you’ve lost power, it’s important to know how you’ll get back together if separated and how you’ll contact each other. If you have a plan in advance and you and all your family are on the same page, this will cut down on some of the post-storm stress.
- Know your evacuation routes: The American Red Cross will have information about shelters near you, but it’s also important that you know how to safely get to them. You should also check and see which emergency shelters allow pets.
- Protect important documents: There are a lot of important documents you’ll have around your home that you should take extra steps to protect. You can either store these important documents offsite in a safety deposit box at a bank, or purchase waterproof storage containers or safes to put them in. It’s also a good idea to make digital copies and keep them on computer storage devices. Documentation you should protect should include any personal identification, all information about financial accounts, copies of your insurance policies on all of your property, documentation regarding the ownership or leasing of your home or vehicles (including titles, deeds, registrations, etc.), health and insurance documentation and anything else you believe to be important.
- Know how you’re covered: Check your homeowners insurance policy and flood insurance policy and know what kind of coverage you have. Keep in mind that you need to purchase flood insurance separate from a homeowners insurance policy.
- Take steps to protect your home: If you know a storm is coming your way, store away all outdoor furniture and objects to prevent them from becoming a potential hazard. Turn off any propane tanks you have running, and other utilities as instructed by emergency personnel.
For more information about some of the steps you can take for 2020 hurricane prep in central Florida, we encourage you to contact Winter Springs Roofing & Repair today. We’ll be happy to answer your questions!