4 Ways to prepare for Hurricane season in Miami

With this year’s hurricane season so close, we want to share safety information for you and your family to be prepared and safe. Hurricane season runs from June 1st until November 30th and you need to have a plan for before, during and after a storm. Here are 4 ways you can prepare for another -very active- hurricane season in Florida.

1. Plan ahead for an evacuation

It is necessary to discuss with your family an emergency plan ahead of time. If you live on the coast, you may have to evacuate in the event of a major storm. Plan your evacuation route, choose a place to go in case you need to leave and prepare a disaster supplies kit. 

You also need to take in consideration the possibility of your family and pets not being together when an emergency strikes. You will get instructions from the local government during the storm, but it is important to know how your family will contact one another, how you will get back together and what to do in case of an emergency.

2. Protect your home

Reduce property damage by preparing before the season begins. It is essential that your property is insured with hurricane coverage. 

Your windows and doors are two of the most vulnerable areas of your home during a hurricane. Secure and repair storm shutters or protect them from projectiles blown by strong winds by boarding up windows with 5/8-inch or 3/4-inch plywood. Protect doors leading to balconies, porches and garage doors. Taping a big X over your windows to prevent them from breaking is a myth.

Keep trees pruned and trimmed, declutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture and do not allow yard debris to accumulate on your property.

Take photos of your property and personal belongings, it is also a good idea to keep receipts in case you need them to support an insurance claim. You should store important documents in a waterproof container. If it is necessary to evacuate, take them with you.

3. Prepare food supplies and drinking water

Usually, when a hurricane warning is issued, people start to panic-buying to stock up on emergency supplies. As much as possible, be prepared before this happens.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), these are the basic supplies you should have: 

✓ Credit Cards and Cash (ATMs might be inoperable) 

✓ Assemble a disaster supplies kit: 

• First Aid Kit. 
• Face Masks, Hand Sanitizer, Disinfectant Spray/Wipes. 
• Essential Medications (7-day supply).
• Water – One gallon per person per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home). 
• Food – Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home). 
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items (toilet paper, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) 
• Battery operated flashlight, radio and extra batteries.
• Extra fuel for car.
• Cell phone with wall and car charger. 
• Multi-purpose tool like a Swiss Army knife, can opener.
• Copies of personal documents (License, social security card, birth certificate, health insurance card, insurance policies, pertinent medical information and medication list). 
• Family and emergency contact information.

There are many options of canned food and dry mixes you can have on hand, take into account any allergies your family members might have and do not forget to include a manual can opener and food for your pets.

You can get water bottles or fill food-grade aluminum or plastic containers with potable water. Plan for at least 3 to 7 days.

4. Monitoring is an essential task in hurricane preparedness

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), the most common month for hurricanes is September, but hurricanes are unpredictable by nature. Tropical systems can speed up, change direction and intensify without warning. 

Stay informed. Make sure to sign up for real-time weather alerts, follow and track government warnings and private news media to keep up with emergency information.

Hurricane preparation is extremely important, especially here in South Florida, and we, as your Property Management Company in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, will be here to assist you in the process.

To know more, visit our Tropical storm and Hurricane Preparedness notice:

https://bit.ly/3uGUbdR