Hurricane season is officially here. From now until Nov. 30, Florida residents can expect plenty of rain and strong winds. As we enter further into hurricane season, it’s crucial to ensure our homes and families are prepared for potential storms and their aftermath.
Here are essential steps to safeguard your home:
1. Create a plan: Develop a family emergency plan. Establish evacuation routes, designate meeting points, and prepare an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents.
2. Secure your home: Inspect your property for vulnerable areas. Reinforce windows, doors, and garage doors with storm shutters or plywood. Trim trees and secure outdoor furniture that could become projectiles in high winds.
3. Insurance check-up: Review your insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage for your home and belongings. Understand your policy’s details, including deductibles and exclusions.
4. Document and protect valuables: Safeguard important documents (insurance policies, IDs, etc.) in a waterproof, easily accessible container. Consider digitizing these documents for extra security.
5. Evacuation readiness: If evacuation orders are issued, follow them promptly. Prepare an evacuation bag with essentials and secure your home as best as possible before leaving.
Remember, preparation is key to staying safe during hurricane season. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay safe.
Concerned about your home during hurricane season? Habitat Orlando & Osceola may be able to help. Each month we offer Habitat U Disaster Preparedness & Home Insurance classes to educate the community on disaster readiness. Click here to see our list of upcoming events.
You can also apply to our Habitat Inspects program. Eligible program participants will receive a free wind mitigation inspection ($150 value), which examines your home’s resistance to wind and hurricane damage. Learn more here.
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