e are currently in the midst of hurricane season. Some of us may be first timers and others well-seasoned Floridians. It's important to prepare early. The worst thing you can do is put off your preparations until a storm hits. 

 

Here are 4 steps to make sure your family is ready in case of an emergency: 

 Make a plan

• Identify how you will receive the emergency warnings and updates.
• Write down important phone numbers you may need in case your cell phone is not accessible, i.e. emergency numbers, family members, out of state contacts. Have multiple copies of this list and make sure every member of your home has a copy. At least one contact should be outside of the impact area.
• Pet owners! Identify a plan of action in case your area is evacuated. This could mean a pet-friendly hotel or even an out of state friend who can take your pet.
• Identify your families specific needs that your plan must tailor to during an emergency. This could mean disabilities, medical needs, young children, pets, or any other aspect that could require special attention and planning.
• Discuss your plan with your family. Make sure everyone is aware of the evacuation routes, shelter plan, meet up locations, and other important information everyone should know.

 

Get supplies
The next step is to gather your supplies. This will range from tools to food. Make sure to get these together early, as stores may run out of the essentials if you wait too long. 

• Emergency Items like batteries, first aid supplies, Toiletries, emergency power sources.
• Make sure to locate important documents such as medical information, wills, social security cards, passports and other forms of identification. Also set aside important personal items you may want. Keep these together for quick access.
• Aim to stock up on non-perishable food items such as canned soup, granola bars, peanut butter.
• Get bottled water or some gallons of water in case water systems are damaged.
• If you have any pets, don't forget to stock up on their food too!

Prepare your home early 
Getting your home ready means more than just closing the hurricane shutters. 

• Clear your yard! Make sure everything is moved into a safe spot so that nothing blows away.
• Make sure to trim large trees and clean up your landscaping.
• If you have a pool and outdoor furniture that permits it, place them into the pool for safe keeping. You won't have to move anything inside your home and the water will keep it safe.
• Check your carbon monoxide detectors battery to prevent CO poisoning as you may be spending a significant amount of time inside. 
• In case utilities are turned off, fill your bathtub up for extra supply of water to wash and flush toilets.
• If you're worried about food in your fridge/freezer going bad due to a power outage without you knowing, try this hack. Place a cup with water in the fridge and freeze it solid. Place a quarter on it, then feel free to evacuate if needed. When you get back, you can tell if your appliance lost power!

Get your car ready

• Fill up your gas tank EARLY. Don't wait till the last minute. Gas stations may be closed, run out, or have a long line if everyone else forgets too.
• Move cars into garages or covered areas.
• Make sure your car has an emergency kit (a list of what to include can be found at HERE)

 

Hurricane season began June 1st and will end November 30th. Make sure to start preparing soon! 

 

Florida Lifestyle Realty

(321)613-5922