As part of Hurricane Preparedness Week, the federal government is encouraging you to take steps to ensure your preparedness for hurricane season. Whether this is your first hurricane season or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s always a good idea to make sure your plan is up to date. It’s less than a month until the official start of hurricane season in the Atlantic, but we’ve had named storms pop up as early as May in the past.
You can start preparing now by following these tips:
- Assess Your Risk – No matter where you live in the Tampa Bay area, there are multiple wind and water hazards that might occur. Storm surge, strong winds, tornadoes, rip currents, flooding, and heavy rainfall are all included in the risks associated with tropical storms and hurricanes.
- Prepare An Evacuation Plan – Check to see if you live in an evacuation zone for hurricanes. It is still possible to have to evacuate if you live in an area prone to flooding. As soon as you know whether you will need to evacuate before a storm, plan several routes, prepare a go-bag for supplies, and follow evacuation orders. You should also have a plan for your pets if you have them.
- Prepare Emergency Supplies – Whether you’re fleeing the storm or staying put, you’ll need supplies not only for the duration of the storm, but also for some time afterwards. Make sure each person has enough non-perishable food, water, and medicine to last at least three days. Have more water on hand if at all possible. Cash and replacement batteries for flashlights and radios should also be kept on hand.
- Review your Insurance Plan – Check with your insurance company to see if you’re protected enough to repair or perhaps replace your home and/or valuables. Bare in mind that most homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover floods, so you’ll likely need a separate coverage for that.
- Secure Your Property – This is a good opportunity to double-check that your home is in good working order and meets local storm building requirements. If you’re boarding up your house before a storm, make sure you have enough plywood, steel, or aluminum panels to cover the windows, doors, and even the garage. Working with your landlord now to prepare your home or apartment for a storm is a good idea for renters.
So you’ve done everything you can to get ready for the season. Now is the moment to write down your hurricane strategy. Don’t hesitate to contact Rentalex at (813)971-9990 if you need equipment rentals such as ladders, generators, or light towers, or if you have questions about availability.
