You don’t need to be a resident of the Sunshine State to know that hurricane season in Florida is a pretty big deal. As one of the most hurricane-prone states in the U.S., it’s important to take precautions and keep tabs on potential storms before they hit — especially if you live near one of Florida’s many coastal areas.
Presently, there’s a storm approaching Florida that has the potential to turn into another hurricane. Here’s what you need to know about the tropical storm system that’s approaching and how to prepare.
Could the Tropical System That’s Heading Toward Florida Turn Into a Hurricane?
A tropical system is heading toward Florida and many are wondering if it could turn into a hurricane. The National Hurricane Center has recently classified the storm as a potential tropical cyclone.
The storm is expected to head toward Florida’s Eastern coastline. The communities of Broward and Miami-Dade could be affected by the storm as it continues to travel toward the Sunshine State.
As Florida has recently suffered from extensive damage from Hurricane Ian. Many people throughout the state are still dealing with the damage caused by the hurricane. Although the storm that’s heading towards Broward and Miami-Dade might not turn into a hurricane, there is a chance that it could which is why local residents should start preparing just in case.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane or Tropical Storm
While many Floridians are accustomed to preparing for hurricane season, thousands of people move into the state from other regions every year. It’s not just about buying bottled water, flashlights, and batteries; there are plenty of things you can do now that will make dealing with a hurricane so much easier when the time comes.
While there is no way to perfectly prevent yourself from experiencing damage during a hurricane, you can greatly reduce the risk of harm to your home, family, and property with these helpful tips.
Install Hurricane Shutters
Windows and doors are common entry points for water during hurricanes. Storm shutters are a simple, cost-effective way to reduce that risk. You can also protect your home by installing impact windows and doors.
If you’re in a high-risk area and you don’t have storm shutters, you’ll want to install them before the hurricane season starts. Your local contractor should have information on the best type of shutters for your area. Generally, it’s best to invest in high-quality shutters so they’ll last for many storms to come.
Reinforce Your Roof
The roof of your home is your first line of defense against a hurricane. Make sure it’s up to the task by inspecting it for damage and fixing any issues you find. If you discover damage, it’s best to repair it before the storm season starts. If you don’t have the time or money to do it yourself, hire a professional to do the job for you.
When choosing a contractor, make sure to check their credentials and references so you can feel confident that they’ll do a good job. To reduce the risk of your roof collapsing, you can install hurricane straps. These straps are designed to secure the roof to the frame of the house.
Organize Emergency Supplies
As soon as hurricane season begins, it’s a good idea to start organizing your emergency supplies. It doesn’t matter if there are no storms predicted for the year; it’s better to be safe than sorry.
You should have at least enough supplies for your family to last 72 hours. Depending on the size of your family, investing in emergency supplies can be a significant expense, but don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to reduce that cost. You should also include first aid gear in your emergency kit.
If there’s a hurricane warning, it’s best to avoid going out and buying a bunch of food and water when there could be looters roaming the stores. Instead, it’s a good idea to start stashing supplies away now so you don’t have to go out during the storm.
You’ll want to keep a full pantry and plenty of water on hand for the duration of the storm. You should also have plenty of fuel on hand in case you need to power generators or pumps after the storm knocks out your power.
Remember, it’s a good idea to start that preparation well before the storm season begins so you’re not scrambling to find and purchase food and fuel at the last minute.
Have a Plan for Your Pets
If you have pets, you’ll need to make sure they’re prepared for the storm, too. First, make sure your pets have identification tags with your current address so they can be returned to you if they get lost.
Second, make an emergency kit for your pets that includes food, medication, and anything else they might need. Finally, keep them nearby so you don’t get separated.
When you’re in a high-risk area, you may want to consider boarding your pets at a facility that won’t be affected by the storm or ask a friend to take care of them.
Wrapping Up, Be Vigilant, and Be Prepared
If there’s a hurricane heading your way and you’re not ready for it, you’ll want to take action right away. Shutters that are not properly installed or have large gaps in them will not provide you with much protection during a storm, so it’s important to make sure they’re installed properly before the storm hits. Similarly, it’s important to check your roof for damage before the storm hits, as well as make sure your gutters are clean and clear of debris.
It’s better to check them before the storm than after, and it could save you thousands of dollars in repairs. Finally, it’s a good idea to have an emergency plan and make sure your loved ones know what to do in case of an emergency.
When it comes to hurricanes, it also pays to be prepared. With these tips, you can protect your home and yourself from the dangers of a hurricane.