Unfortunately, hurricane season is an unavoidable part of Florida living. So, it’s important to be prepared for an emergency before hurricane season starts to ensure the safety of you, your family, and your home.
#1 Create an Emergency Plan
Have a detailed and thought out emergency plan in place before hurricane season starts. This includes planning your escape route and destination, find places to take shelter in your home, and review your insurance policies and make sure you’re covered for possible damages.
#2 Gather Supplies for an Emergency Kit
You should have enough emergency supplies for you and your family to survive without power, water, gas, phone, or internet for at least one week. Some essentials to include are flashlights with extra batteries, matches, first aid, non-perishable food, drinking water, a portable weather radio, any prescription medications, and important documents.
#3 Have a Plan for your Pets
Be sure to make accommodations for your pets as well. Have pet supplies in your emergency kits, like food, water, medications, puppy pads, and a pet carrier, and have your pets microchipped if they aren’t already with updated contact information. Find pet-friendly emergency shelters in advance.
#4 Protect your Home
Since hurricanes are so common in Florida living, there are a few household updates you can do to protect your home from a storm. This includes replacing any gravel or rock landscaping with a softer material like shredded bark, cutting away dead or overgrown trees and shrubbery, installing storm shutters, and having a storage place for all outdoor furniture and items that could cause damage if blown around in a storm.
#5 Stick to your Plan
We know from years of Florida living that, in the event of a hurricane, stress and fear run high and they can cause you to second guess your plan. However, if you’ve taken the time to create a detailed emergency strategy, it’s very important to stick to it exactly. Deviating from the plan could result in unexpected issues and is dangerous for your family and your home, so trust that your plan is good and stick to it!
For additional information and resources check out the link below from the NOAA