Given the recent events in Texas and here in Florida, what better time is there to talk about hurricane preparedness. That way you and your family will be more prepared to take on the next hurricane, which for Florida happens at least once a year. Check out these helpful tips to help your family before and after a hurricane hits.
Know Your Risk
Families would live on the East Coast, the Gulf Coast, or on an island have the highest risk for the damaging effects of hurricanes. However, there is still a risk for states that are more inland. Both Harvey and Irma continued their path of destruction far beyond Texas and Florida.
Develop Your Evacuation Plan
In some cases, local officials may declare a state a mandatory evacuation which requires locals to leave the area. In most cases, however, evacuations are advised and locals can choose to ride out the storm or leave. When a mandatory evacuation is issued, your local officials inform the public using multiple methods of media to get the message out. This would include the news stations, newspapers, text message alert, and social media.
Flooding
If you live in an area prone to flooding, the best thing to do is buy flood insurance. This will not only give you peace of mind but it will also greatly speed up your home’s recovery if a hurricane causes your home to flood. Hurricane flooding may be a result of a storm surge along the coast plus the heavy rain. This storm surge can leave your home in water up to the roof depending on how bad it gets.
High Wind
Before a hurricane strikes, remove or secure outside objects like trash cans, yard furniture, grills, and tools. It is also a good idea to get your trees trimmed or even removed if they pose a big enough threat. Trees with trunks larger than 6in in diameter should be far enough away from your house so they won’t fall on it.
Generators
Hurricanes can leave you without power for several days and even week depending on the severity. So having a generator to power your refrigerator, fans, and charge your phones is a life saver. Only use a gasoline-powered generator outdoors away from windows so the fumes don’t get in your house. The same goes for camping stoves and grills.