As a Floridian, you have probably accepted that hurricanes are just part of the price of living in our beautiful state. However, according to the Global Weather Oscillations Inc, 2018 is predicted to be the most active hurricane season in 70 years. Given the devastating effects of Irma on South Florida, along with the increased risk of an extremely active hurricane season, it’s of utmost importance to start preparing now. This article will provide you with tips for keeping your family and home safe during the hurricane season of 2018.
- Sign Up For Local Alerts
One of the best ways to keep yourself informed and safe during hurricane season is to sign up for local alerts and weather warnings. Also, it’s essential to monitor local news and weather reports, so you are not caught off guard when a hurricane or tropical storm hits. The Department of Homeland Security provides a list of emergency alerts you should consider signing up for, as well as the types of devices that can receive various alerts.
- Review Your Insurance Policies
It’s an excellent idea to review your insurance policies before hurricane season is in full gear. You will want to review your insurance policy with your agent to ensure that it will cover rebuilding your home if it is a total loss. Reviewing your insurance policy now can save you from a significant headache post-storm.
- Fix Your Roof
Right now is the perfect time to inspect your roof for damage. Your roof is the single biggest opening to your home, and any holes could cause detrimental damage to your home’s interior during a massive storm. Give your roof a thorough look-over to make sure all shingles or tiles are secure and are not cracked or missing. If you do notice roof damage, call a trusted local professional right away to get it fixed.
- Seal Your Windows & Doors
Unsealed windows and doors also pose a risk to your home in the face of a hurricane. Take time during the off-season to ensure your windows and doors are properly sealed. If you notice any cracks or gaps, do not wait to reseal them.
- Implement & Test Your Communication Plan
Keep in mind that your entire family may not be together when a hurricane strikes. Thus, it’s important to know how to reach each other should you be separated. To prepare for an active hurricane season, keep essential numbers written down and store them in a safe place. Remember, landline and cell phone towers may be down following a devastating hurricane, so you may need to rely on text messaging and social media to get in contact with family members. Also, designate an out-of-town family member as a contact to help your household reconnect if you lose touch with one another. FEMA has excellent emergency communication plans your family can use to get started.
- Safeguard Important Documents
Protecting your important documents is an essential step of hurricane preparedness. Consider investing in a safe to keep your valuables safe from flooding and fire, or consider renting a safe deposit box at your bank.
- Know Your Evacuation Route
It’s critical to know your evacuation route before the 2018 hurricane season. Knowing your evacuation route could be the difference between life and death. According to the city of Miami Dade, areas of Dade County that should evacuate during a hurricane will always be announced through miamidade.com and via local media outlets.
- Know Your Storm Surge Planning Zone
Miamidade.com advises that storm surge is the most significant threat to life and property as a result of a hurricane. Miami Dade has five storm surge planning zones, marked A through E, which identifies the risk of storm surge. Zone A is at the highest risk for storm surge for category one storms, and higher. This map will help you understand what zone you are in, so you can know your risk of experiencing storm surge.
- Know Where Local Shelters Are
Knowing where your local shelters are is also of utmost importance for residents of South Florida. Once an evacuation is announced, you can find a list of open evacuation centers at www.miamidade.gov or by calling 311 on any phone. For more information on evacuation centers in Miami, visit Miami Dade County’s website.
- Start An Emergency Fund
You never know when tragedy is going to strike. That’s why it’s essential to have an emergency fund available to help cover unforeseen expenses. Remember, every penny you can save counts and could save you from having to take out massive amounts of debt to cover medical bills or home repairs.
- Invest In Hurricane Shutters
One of the best ways to protect your home from devastating hurricane damage is to invest in hurricane shutters. While hurricane shutters are not cheap, they are one of the best investments you can make as a South Florida resident. Highly consider installing hurricane shutters before the active 2018 hurricane season begins.
- Make A Hurricane Kit
Start building your hurricane kit now in preparation for the 2018 hurricane season. Ready.gov provides an extensive list of items to consider for a basic family emergency supply kit.
- Download The FEMA App
The FEMA app is a must-have app for anyone living in South Florida. The FEMA App is packed full of information on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. You can also receive weather alerts from NOAA’s National Weather Service, which includes lifesaving safety tips and other disaster-related resources.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the 2018 hurricane season, preparing for the worst-case scenario is your best option. It’s important to remember that hurricanes can bring devastating effects to even those that do not live beachside. Above all, remember possessions can be replaced, but life cannot. Taking time to prepare now will help you protect life’s most precious assets.
