Hurricane season is a stressful time for waterfront homes and business owners. With the potential for hazardous winds, flooding, and storm surge, it’s important to be prepared. Taking the time to plan ahead can help you mitigate the risks associated with a hurricane.
Here are some tips for effective hurricane preparedness for your waterfront property.
1. Inspect Your Property
The first step in hurricane preparedness is to inspect your property. Look for any signs of damage or potential hazards that could be made worse by a hurricane. Make sure your property is free of debris, and take steps to secure anything that could become airborne. Additionally, check your property for any standing water that could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
2. Install Impact Windows and Doors
If you live on a waterfront property, it’s important to install impact windows and doors. They’re weak points in your home, and ensuring they’re durable can keep water and debris out from your home’s interior as effectively as possible.
3. Secure Your Possessions
Ensure that you take pictures or videos of your property, such as your deck, seawall, and the like, for insurance purposes. Also, move all your fragile items like flags, patio furniture, and potted plants into a secure building. Finally, for valuable items like family photos and vital documents, move them all out to a safe location or take them with you if you need to evacuate.
4. Stock Up on Supplies
When a hurricane is approaching, it’s important to make sure you have enough supplies. Stock up on food, water, and other essentials. Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and any necessary medications. It’s also a good idea to have a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, and extra batteries.
5. Have a Backup Generator
If you live on a waterfront property, it’s important to have a backup generator. Power outages are common during hurricanes, so having a generator can help you maintain power during a storm. Make sure you have enough fuel to run the generator for several days.
6. Secure Your Boat
If you have a boat, it’s important to secure it during a hurricane. Move your boat to a safe harbor if possible. If that’s not an option, tie your boat to a secure dock or mooring. Make sure your boat is well-secured and that all hatches are closed to give it the best chance of surviving a hurricane.
7. Create a Flood Barrier
If your waterfront property is at risk of flooding, create a flood barrier. This can be done by filling sandbags or using other materials to create a barrier to help keep floodwaters from entering your home. In addition, ensure all entry points and windows are secured and watertight.
8. Prepare a Disaster Kit
Create a disaster kit with items such as flashlights, a first-aid kit, non-perishable food, water, and any other essential items. In addition, ensure that you have an emergency contact list and any important documents with you or stored away in a safe location.
9. Keep an Eye on Local Weather
Pay attention to local weather forecasts and listen to the advice of your local emergency management office. Also, make sure that you and your family are ready to evacuate if necessary and follow directions from local authorities if given.
Conclusion
Hurricane season can truly be frightening, and with the billions of dollars worth of damage it can cause, you do not want to become part of the statistics. So, follow the tips we’ve shared above and always listen to the authorities. They want to ensure that you’re safe and sound, and we do, too!
Precision Aluminum & Remodeling offers everything from screen rooms to impact windows and more for Cape Coral and Southwest Florida. If you are looking for impact windows and doors to make your home more hurricane-proof, check out what we offer.
