Preparing for hurricanes as a South Florida resident is crucial for your safety and the protection of your property. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get ready:
- Develop a Family Emergency Plan
Create a plan with evacuation routes, emergency contacts, meeting points, and communication methods for family members in case of a hurricane.
- Assemble an Emergency Kit
Prepare a comprehensive emergency kit with essential items like food, water, first aid supplies, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash, important documents, and supplies for infants, the elderly, or pets.
- Prepare Your Home
Secure outdoor items, trim trees and shrubs, and reinforce garage doors and windows to protect against damage from high winds and flying debris.
- Review Insurance Coverage
Check your homeowner’s insurance policy for sufficient coverage for hurricane damage, including windstorm and flood insurance. Understand deductibles, coverage limits, and exclusions.
- Stay Informed
Stay informed about weather by monitoring forecasts, using reliable sources like radio, TV, weather apps, and signing up for emergency alerts from local authorities.
- Evacuation Planning
Ensure you know your evacuation zone, have a plan, identify shelters, learn evacuation routes, and arrange transportation and accommodations for yourself, your family, and your pets if needed.
- Protect Important Documents
Create digital backups of essential documents like IDs, insurance policies, medical records, and home ownership proofs in a secure place for protection.
- Secure Your Property
If you’re not evacuating before a storm, secure your property by turning off utilities if advised, moving valuables to higher ground, and using sandbags to prevent flooding.
- Stay Safe During the Storm
Stay indoors, away from windows. Use flashlights, not candles, if the power goes out. Avoid using generators indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- After the Storm
Wait for authorities to declare safety before returning home. Beware of hazards like power lines and floods. Document property damage for insurance. Be patient while waiting for utilities and recovery efforts.
Get Hurricane Ready with Seacrest’s Personalized Planning
Seacrest helps associations create personalized hurricane preparedness plans tailored to their specific needs, breaking down steps and setting actionable goals for full readiness during hurricane season.
By, Cliff Cameron
Director of Landscape Services
