Hurricane Preparedness Florida Guide

Hurricane Season officially starts on June 1 and experts are predicting an active season.  Advanced Restoration would like to suggest that you take this hurricane-free time to get your emergency plan together.

According to the National Hurricane Center, you should be able to answer the following questions in the face of a hurricane threat:

• What are the Hurricane Hazards?
• What does it mean to you?
• What actions should you take to be prepared?

To help you answer these questions, we have prepared a guide for you.

STEP 1: Create a Family Plan at the State of Florida Family Disaster Planning website. http://www.floridadisaster.org/family/

Step by step instructions will guide you through a 10-15 minute online plan maker. You will be asked to input information about your family, pets and home. The plan will recommend things like the amount of food and water you should have on hand during an emergency, contact information, evacuation zones and important numbers. In addition to the family plan, there is also a “Kid Plan” to involve little ones in the preparation and a Disability Plan for people who have disabilities.

Make sure your children would know what to do if they are home alone and make sure you have plans if you need to transport anyone such as the elderly or disabled.

We highly recommend that every Florida resident take this time to create a family disaster plan.

STEP 2: Create a Business Disaster Plan State of Florida Business Disaster Planning website.

Again, the online software will lead you through steps to create a custom business disaster plan in about 10-15 minutes. The plan will include: Steps you can take to save time and money in preparing your business for a disaster; important contacts and information in your area for use in a disaster; and checklists of important steps to take before, during, and after a disaster.

STEP 3: Protect Your Home

According to MySafeFloridaHome.com, preparing your home for a hurricane and having hurricane-safety features in place will not only help prevent injury to your family and water damage to your home, it will also increase the market value of your home. Plus, property insurance companies will give discounts for hurricane resistant features.

Here are 8 steps you can take to help get your home ready for the season ahead.

1. Shutter all openings: Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
2. Secure loose roof shingles: Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
3. Seal openings, cracks and holes
   
4. Strengthen soffits.
5. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
6. Determine how and where to secure your boat.
7. Consider building a safe room.
   
8. Make plans to secure your property. Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.

For more in depth information, please visit: http://www.mysafefloridahome.com

STEP 5: Get Your Emergency Kit Together

Having an emergency kit in place is vital in case of a severe hurricane. Visit Hurricane Emergency Kit for a list of supplies or find out what should be in your kit by creating an online plan described in steps 1 and 2 above.

STEP 6: Stay Informed

Keeping on top of information is crucial during a serious weather threat, especially a hurricane.

• Watch TV and listen to the radio
• Visit websites such as National Hurricane Center and Florida Disaster Center
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Moor your boat if time permits.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
• If a hurricane is approaching, avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
• Stay Calm and have plans ready.

We hope this guide helps you get prepared for this upcoming hurricane season. Being prepared is the key to safety.

Advanced Restoration, Inc. is a Water Damage, Mold Damage, Sewer Damage and Emergency DisasterRecovery Restoration Company in Tampa Bay, Florida. Company Services Include: WATER DAMAGE EXTRACTION and RESTORATION; MOLD REMOVAL and MOLD REMEDIATION; STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION; FLOODS; HURRICANE DAMAGE; SEWER DAMAGE; Complete Restoration Services. Residential, Commercial & Industrial structures in the Tampa Bay Metro Area, Sarasota County, FL, Manatee County, FL and Okaloosa county, FL. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT www.drymeout.com