Florida Weather: How to be prepared
8/29/2016
Over the next few days we are expected to have a tropical depression move across North Florida. I thought this might be a good opportunity to offer a few tips to help you be more prepared during Florida's storms.
First, to be more storm ready you will want to create a Home Emergency Plan. Make sure each member of your family is aware of the home emergency plan and review it often.
Here are a few things to consider when creating a home emergency plan.
- How a severe storm could impact your home
- The location of exit points in the house
- Where to go if you need to evacuate
- How to stay in contact if you’re separated from each other
- Requirements for those with medical conditions or special needs
- What to do with any pets
- What to include in your Home Emergency Kit
- Whether your insurance is adequate and current
Secondly, you will want to put together a Home Emergency Kit. In your home emergency kit you'll want at least 3 days worth of supplies, all your paperwork, and the ability put together a 14 day supply whenever necessary. Click here for a basic supply list.
Lastly, you'll want to prepare your home. Make sure you do routine maintenance on your home and educate yourself.
General home maintenance
- Check your roof regularly to make sure it’s in good condition
- Keep gutters, downpipes and drains clear
- Remove tree branches that are close to your house
- Fix any corrosion, loose fittings and rotting or termite-affected timber
- Secure loose items around your property
General home safety preparations
- Ensure your home, contents and car insurance is adequate and current
- Identify the safest room in which to shelter during a storm
- Learn how to safely turn off your power, water and gas
- Keep water containers, a camping stove and fuel safely on-hand
For more information on hurricane preparedness visit http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php
Hope this helps.
- Justin Petrucci, Realtor