The coastal US is typically are affected by strong storms year-round. Here in Florida, as summer is on its way, some of us are already considering the effects of 2019 hurricane season and starting to prepare our homes and pantries. According to the meteorology department at Colorado State University, hurricane researchers are predicting a slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2019.

This is a good thing, and we can most likely look forward to a quieter season. However, it’s still important to get ready as hurricane predictions can change as the season progresses.

Knowing what to do before, during, and after hurricane season will help keep you and your family safe and stress-free and protect your home.

Prepare In Advance

Buy a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA radio, so you can stay up-to-date to your local news during and after a storm.
Come up with an evacuation plan that includes your pets, and that you and your family members are all aware of. It’s important for each of your family members to know the plan (including specific locations and emergency shelters) in times of emergency.
Replenish your at-home emergency kit for any items that might be missing or in short supply. Don’t forget to include medications, contact lenses or any medical device you or a family member might need.

Protecting Your Family

Discuss hurricanes and what to do in case of emergencies with your family. Include your kids in the discussions to ease their fears and concerns.
Put together a waterproof box that contains insurance policies, irreplaceable documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit box. Make sure to put this box in an easy-to-find location on an upper shelf (in case of flooding).
Make the best use of your phone during this time of the year by taking pictures of important documents and files, Also, have them saved on a flash drive that you can carry with you.

Protecting Your Pets & Family

Your pets are family too! Be sure to create an evacuation plan for your furry friends, and a pantry kit as well. If you haven’t already create an emergency kit for your pets, here are a few helpful tips to get started. It’s a great idea to talk with family members or friends who might be able to board your pets during a hurricane.

Another popular option is boarding your pets with your veterinarian or local animal shelter. Some pet owners prefer to evacuate with your pets and will opt for a pet-friendly shelter, hotel or friend’s home. Whichever option you decide, plan well-ahead in advance and get in touch with the veterinarian, shelter, or hotel to learn their pet-policy, fees and timing.

Protecting Your Home

Consider installing permanent window shutters, or purchase pre-cut plywood to protect your window openings. Max Guard Hurricane Windows can help you decide on the right option for your windows – Get in touch today!
Store loose items such as lawn furniture, kid’s toys, gardening tools, and trash cans that can fly during high winds or cause damage.
Keep gutters and downspouts clean and free of major debris to prevent flooding and unnecessary pressure on the awnings.
Get more information about flood insurance. If you’re already covered, take a look at your policy and review the terms. You can take a look at flood resource guide: www.FloodSmart.gov. for more information.

Stay Safe During Hurricane

During a hurricane, it’s important to stay indoors and avoid walking on beaches, riverbanks, or in directly floodwater as it may be contaminated.
Avoid using candles indoors. Instead, use flashlights when you lose power to prevent house fires.
In certain cases, the local authorities may send out an alert to turn off the power and water. Tune in to your local radio station to stay-up-to-date with the latest alerts.

What to Do After Hurricane

Contact family and friends and let them that you and your family are safe. You can even easily register yourself as safe on the Safe and Well website or on social media.
Consider returning only to your place of residence only if local authorities instructed to do so and that it is safe to return. Constantly get updated from your local area radio for more information and updates.
Keep in mind, it’s possible to experience extended rainfall and flooding after hurricanes. Keep an eye on the weather channel and be cautious when you go outside.

Caring for Yourself and Love Ones

Check out these emotional disaster recovery tips to help you stay overcome the shock and stress after the storm.
Consider lending a helping hand to those in need such as neighbors, friends, and folks who may be in need of additional support after a hurricane.
Use sink water only when your local authorities say it is safe to use.
Watch your pets closely and use caution when letting them outdoors.

Returning Home Safely

When local authorities say roads are clear and it is safe to return home, consider these tips as you make your way back home:
Stay away from flooded zones and dangling power lines. Make sure to immediately report downed power lines to the local electric company.
Inspect your home’s structure after a hurricane, and remember to take pictures of any damage to the building or your belongings for insurance purposes.

Repairing Your Home

After inspecting your home, you might find areas in your home that have been damaged, need repair and protection for the following hurricane season. We recommend adding hurricane-resistant features to your home, like protective windows and doors, to provide year-round protection. This is a great way to minimize damages and potential repair costs.

Here are a few helpful tips to follow after the hurricane is long-gone:
Inspect your home, garage and yard for damage, debris and anything that may need to be repaired.
Hire a landscaper to help restore your damaged landscaping and replant trees or shrubs that have been damaged.
Think about elevating your house, or adding protective barriers, if it is located by a flood zone or near the coast.
Consider adding on protective windows and doors to minimize damage the following hurricane season.

Request a Free Quote From Max Guard

You have questions and we’re ready to answer them! At Max Guard Hurricane Windows & Doors, our specialty is quality windows and doors paired with unbeatable customer service. Contact us today! We’ll happily assist you with any questions you may have.