In an Event of a Hurricane or other Emergency
In South Florida, the beginning of June marks the official start of Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1-November 30. Hurricanes and tropical storms can cause power outages, flooding, and devastating damage, but they are also very unpredictable. It is wise to prepare before a potential storm hits.
So, how can you prepare for a hurricane this summer? Here are our suggestions:
Make a Family Plan
It’s important to sit down as a family and discuss your plan in the event of a hurricane or other emergency. How will you communicate if you are not together or if phone services are unavailable? Do your children have another adult they can contact in a time of emergency if they cannot reach you? Do you have a place you can stay if you need to evacuate your home? Do you have a plan for your pets?
Decide on a safe meeting place if you are not all together and make a copy of your plan, along with emergency contact information and phone numbers, for each family member.
Prepare Emergency Kits
You don’t want to wait for the power to be out to find out your flashlight is out of batteries. Ready.gov suggests having these items in an emergency kit:
Flashlight(s) and extra batteries
Battery-powered or hand crank radio
First Aid Kit
Whistle
Matches
Dust masks to filter contaminated air
Hand sanitizer or moist towelettes
Plastic bags, toilet paper, and other personal hygiene and sanitation items
Can opener
Local Maps
Extra cell phone chargers or charged battery power packs
Prescription medicine
Infant formula and diapers
Copy of important family documents
Cash and change
It’s great to keep all of these items in a bag or backpack that is easy to grab in case of emergency. Having a spare change of clothing, sleeping bags or blankets, and even activities like games and puzzles to keep children entertained can also be helpful. During hurricane season, it’s also wise to keep at least a half-tank of gas in your car.
Store Food And Water
Along with your emergency kit, the National Hurricane Center recommends storing a three-day supply of food and water for each member of your family. If you’ve made a last-minute trip to the store while a storm warning in is place, you know that water and non-perishable food can be difficult to come by.
For water, one gallon per day is recommended for drinking and sanitation purposes. For food, store foods that your family likes and consider any dietary restrictions. Some ideas are ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, or veggies, protein bars, dried fruit, peanut butter, nuts, canned juices, etc. Avoid foods with high sodium content, which will make you thirsty. Don’t forget food for pets too!
Be aware of Evacuation Routes in your area
Familiarize yourself with different evacuation routes in your city. The National Hurricane Center also suggests choosing several destinations you could go to ahead of time, in case one or another is blocked or difficult to get to. Most smartphones have a setting that allows you to turn on emergency weather alerts so that you can receive updates straight to your phone or device.
Protect your home with Impact Windows
There’s no question that installing impact windows will ensure the safety of your home and family or years to come. Our windows are tested to withstand Category 5 hurricane force winds, flying debris, torrential rains, and extreme pressure changes. Impact hurricane windows are a reliable solution for hurricane preparedness.
Did you know the benefits of installing impact windows reach far beyond protecting your home from the damage hurricanes can do? They are energy-efficient, noise-reducing, durable, and add value to your home without detracting from its beauty.
Be prepared with Max Guard Hurricane Windows
Though hurricanes can seem scary, the likelihood of a major hurricane is rare. Florida has only experienced seven major hurricanes (Category 3 or above) in the past 20 years. However, in those same 20 years, more than 60 tropical storms and hurricanes have caused damage o varying degrees throughout the state. It is always better to be prepared.
The Max Guard team has been preparing and protecting South Florida homes and families for over thirty years. Our energy-efficient windows are the perfect addition to any home and offer a level of security and convenience that is unparalleled in the industry. If you want to learn more about how you can protect your with windows that practically pay for themselves, call (561) 276-7100 or request a free quote here.
