There are so many things to love about Florida, the beaches, the warmer winters, the lack of state tax - but one thing all Floridians and Florida property owners could do without is hurricane season. If you’ve been in Florida during this dreaded season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th, you’ve probably seen the effects and damage done to properties and homes that were not equipped properly. We’ve created a checklist for your Southwest Florida Property to make sure you’ve done everything you need to prepare for this year’s hurricane season.
If you’ve ever experienced or even seen the force of a hurricane on the news, you know things can go flying. One detail often forgotten when prepping for a hurricane is bringing all patio furniture and outside decor inside. Items that are not fixed to the ground outdoors can easily be swept up in high force winds. Even if your piece of furniture is heavy or not easily moved, category 4 hurricanes have winds of up to 156 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center categorizes 140 mph winds as being able to do catastrophic damage. While most hurricanes lose momentum as they hit land, it is better to be safe than sorry.
It is common to see boarded-up windows and houses around this time of year, especially near the coast. This is one of the best things you can do for your lived-in or vacant property. Once all of your patio furniture and outdoor decor is safely stored, it’s essential to make sure all windows and openings have hurricane shutters or plywood coverings over the glass. This will help keep projectile items like palm fronds, tree branches, road signs, and more from crashing through your home’s openings and wreaking havoc on your belongings. You may also be wondering about your garage doors, and while a hurricane shutter or a piece of plywood that large may be hard to come by, there are alternative options to strengthen and protect your garage door. Your garage door is your home’s weakest opening, a metal door that can easily be caved in or bent open in high-force winds. Adding a hurricane bar across your garage door gives it a backbone and helps to resist harsh hurricane winds.
Flooding is a big concern when preparing for a hurricane, with excessive rain and rising water levels, it is a serious matter. However, flooding can also be caused by busted pipes and water valves left on inside the home. Turning off your main water valve is recommended anytime you leave your home for an extended period, but especially during hurricane season. The less running water going through your walls, the better!
With a hurricane comes lightning, and with lightning comes power surges. A single power surge can fry every electronic plugged into your walls in a split second, causing irreparable damage and costing you thousands of dollars. So how do you protect your home and electronics from incidences like this? We highly recommend having a whole house surge protector added to your home and breaker box.
And finally, when the storm has passed, it’s essential to have someone who can go by and check the status of your property and help coordinate necessary repairs. Hurricanes can devastate communities and families, so remember, in times like these, when tensions are high, and losses may occur, it is imperative to stick together and help our neighbors, tenants, and landlords stay safe.
