As hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and extends through November 30, Florida residents and real estate professionals are urged to prioritize preparedness. Florida Realtors emphasizes the critical need for early planning to safeguard lives and property against potential major storms. This proactive approach is vital for minimizing risks and ensuring the safety of families and investments.
Key Takeaways
- Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
- Early preparation is crucial for protecting lives and property.
- Essential emergency kits should include food, water, medications, and pet supplies.
- Homeowners should take steps to secure their properties against high winds and potential flooding.
- Special needs shelters are available for individuals requiring daily medical assistance.
Building Your Emergency Supply Kit
Florida Realtors recommends assembling a comprehensive emergency supply kit well in advance of any storm threat. This kit should cater to the health and medical needs of both family members and pets. Key items include:
- Water: A minimum of one gallon per person, per day, for at least three days.
- Food: A three-day supply of non-perishable, no-cook food items like canned vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
- Medications: Prescription drugs and necessary medical supplies such as syringes and alcohol wipes. Residents can obtain an extra 30-day prescription supply during a federally declared emergency without price increases.
- Other Essentials: A manual can opener, pet food and supplies, flashlights with extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a whistle, a first-aid kit, glasses or hearing aids with extra batteries, cell phone chargers, a wrench or pliers for utilities, dust masks, plastic sheeting, duct tape, moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties.
Securing Your Home
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises several steps to fortify homes against severe weather:
- Windows and Doors: Cover all windows and doors with shutters or marine-grade plywood.
- Landscaping: Trim trees and shrubs, and clear rain gutters. Ensure flat roofs have clear drainage openings.
- Roof Reinforcement: Consider adding extra straps or clips to secure roofs, as keeping wind out significantly reduces damage risk.
- Pre-Storm Actions: Once a warning is issued, bring in outdoor items like garbage cans and furniture. Avoid taping windows; opt for plywood or shutters.
- During the Storm: Set refrigerators to their highest setting and keep doors closed. Turn off propane tanks, unplug small appliances, and fill bathtubs with water. If winds intensify, close interior doors, stay away from windows, and move to lower floors in multi-story buildings. In flood-prone areas, keep an ax accessible in the attic.
Special Needs Shelters
For individuals with ongoing medical needs, pre-registration for special needs shelters is essential. Information on how to preregister can be found on FloridaDisaster.org under the "Special Needs Registry" section.
Insurance Considerations
While the Tampa Bay Times notes cautious optimism within the property insurance industry, the approaching hurricane season underscores the importance of reviewing insurance policies and understanding coverage. The ongoing discussions around hurricane rates and prices, particularly concerning Citizens Property Insurance, highlight the dynamic nature of the insurance market in Florida.
Sources
- Florida Realtors®: Prepare Now for Hurricane Season, PR Newswire.
- Property insurance experts cautiously optimistic ahead of hurricane season, Tampa Bay Times.