As hurricane season had an earlier start this year, Floridians are bracing themselves for another potentially powerful weather event. Whether you’re a seasoned resident or new to the Sunshine State, preparing for a hurricane is essential for safeguarding your home, family, and community. This year, NOAA scientists predict 17-25 named storms compared to an average of 14 (ABC News). Now, let’s focus on ensuring that we are ready and resilient by following a few key preparations.

Navigating Hurricane Season

Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 to November 30. The peak of hurricane season is mid-August and late October. While Tallahassee is less prone to direct hits compared to coastal cities, it’s still crucial to be prepared. However, every year in the last decade our town has been either with direct path of a named storm or close enough to experience record flooding. Hermine, Irma, Michael, Idalia, and Debby to name a few. Not to mention, the 3 tornadoes that plowed through the south part of Tallahassee.

Steps to Prepare Your Home

1. Create an Emergency Plan

  • Family Communication: Establish a family communication plan that includes meeting points, emergency contacts, and evacuation routes.
  • Pet Safety: Plan for your pets by including them in your emergency kit and ensuring they have identification tags and a safe place to stay.

2. Prepare an Emergency Kit

Stock up on essential supplies such as:

  • Non-perishable food and water for at least 72 hours.
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
  • First aid kit, medications, and personal hygiene items.
  • Important documents, such as identification and insurance papers, are stored in a waterproof container.

3. Fortify Your Home

  • Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or plywood over windows and doors to protect against flying debris and wind damage.
  • Roof and Gutters: Inspect and repair your roof, and clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage.
  • Landscaping: Trim trees and bushes to reduce the risk of branches causing damage during strong winds.
  • Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, grills, and other items that could become projectiles in high winds. These objects can cause significant damage if they are not properly anchored or stored.

4. Stay Informed

Monitor weather updates from reliable sources such as the National Weather Service and local news channels. Sign up for emergency alerts and warnings to stay informed about changing conditions and evacuation orders.

The Importance of Keeping Your House Safe

Water Damage Prevention and Flooding Clean-Up are critical, and Main Cleaning offers expertise in handling these issues, ensuring your home remains safe and dry. Their Restoration Support is invaluable for quickly addressing and mitigating damage, while their General Clean-Up services help manage post-storm debris and maintain a clean environment.

By focusing on these key areas, you can enjoy the season while keeping your home protected and ready for whatever nature brings.

Securing your home protects your property, ensures family safety, and reduces repair costs. A well-prepared home can better withstand hurricanes, minimizing damage and expenses. By taking these steps, you help create a safer community and speed up recovery after a storm. As hurricane season 2024 approaches, let’s stay vigilant and ready. Together, we can face whatever comes our way. Stay safe and be prepared!

After the Storm

We highly recommend to call as soon as possible once the weather has calmed down for any major cleaning, to avoid mold and long-term damages. Give us a call if you would like an assessment on preventative measures and learn why our loyal clients call us every year.

Resources: Americares | ApNews