Hurricane Season is approaching us - time to start preparing your property!
While you may feel as though you already know how to prepare for a hurricane, there are extra measures one can take to protect themselves, their neighbors, and their rental property from unnecessary damage.
When a major storm is forecasted, stay informed by following NOAA Weather Radio or your local news channels for updates. In addition, make sure to obey all orders if requested to evacuate by the authorities.
As a property management company, it is not our job to prepare your property before a hurricane. As the primary resident at the property, it is solely your responsibility to protect your possessions from loss & damage. Follow these 10 hurricane and storm preparation steps to keep your home and loved ones safe before disaster strikes.
- Take Inventory of Your Personal Property – Tally your possessions and what they are worth in case replacement is needed. (Take photos of them)
- Clear the Lawn – Bring in your grill, outdoor furniture, potted plants, bird feeders, bikes, and toys.
- Create Your Hurricane Emergency Kit – Gather together a first aid kit, prescription medicines, extra batteries, flashlights, portable radio, extra water & food, cell phone chargers with battery backup, pet food, toiletries, cash, etc.
- Store Important Papers in A Watertight Sealed Bag/Container – Copies of insurance policies, important documents, identification, and bank account records should be stored in a waterproof bag or container that is easy to grab and go with if necessary.
- Move Vehicles to A Safe Place – Move your vehicle to higher ground, out of flood-prone areas or park them in your garage against the garage doors. Do not park under trees, power lines, or in low-lying areas.
- Power Up – Fill your car’s gas tank, charge your cell phone, test your generator, and have plenty of fuel-ready in case of power outages.
- Unplug Appliances & Electronics – Move appliances and household fixtures away from exterior doors and window openings. Store them in cabinets or interior closets.
- Identify a Shelter Room – This enclosed area should be on the first floor, in the central part of the house with no windows. Avoid all unprotected windows and doors until the storm passes.
- Prepare Your Pet – In case of an emergency, have your pet’s carrier, collars, and leashes labeled with your pet’s name, breed, sex, date of birth, your current address and contact numbers, and any important medical information. Have a travel bag packed with your pet’s medications, any essentials, and extra food and water.
- Have an Evacuation Plan – If evacuation is necessary, turn off all utilities and follow community disaster preparedness plans. Select a common meeting place or single point-of-contact for all family members. If you have pets, have a plan for their evacuation as well.
While some of these steps may seem either unnecessary or overly cautious, the weather in Florida (particularly during hurricane season) can change dramatically within hours. Being over-prepared for these situations is something we encourage our tenants to do. Further to all of the above, we advise our tenants to either purchase rental insurance through their preferred provider or via their resident portal. If you need assistance with this process please call us today.
To all our residents, customers, friends, and family – Stay safe this hurricane season!
For more information and resources, click here Hurricane Preparedness Resources.
