Wagner Realty
June
24
24
How to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season
As we head into another hurricane season around Sarasota homes for sale and Bradenton homes for sale, use these helpful tips from our real estate agents to prepare your home.
- Make a plan.
The arrival of a hurricane is not the time to be making decisions about what to do. There's no time like the present to sit down and create a solid plan of action with specific steps. - Understand the terminology.
"Hurricane watch" means conditions are right for a possible storm to arise. "Hurricane warning," issued at least 36 hours in advance, means a storm is expected to arrive. - Assemble an emergency kit.
When planning your emergency kit, assume that you'll be confined to your home with no source of power or water. Must-haves include water and ready-to-eat food; a first-aid kit and any necessary medications; flashlights or other power sources, including fresh batteries; and important documents such as driver's licenses, passports, and insurance papers. - Consider purchasing a generator.
Power could be out indefinitely, and a generator would help fill in the gap. Do your due diligence to make sure the generator you purchase is high-quality and conforms to all safety standards. - Designate a shelter area.
Basements and other locations without windows are preferable. - Keep pets safe.
If possible, arrange to leave your pet in the care of a friend or family member who's out of the storm's trajectory. Otherwise, have your pet microchipped and keep a photo handy to make him easier to locate if you should become separated. - Trim trees and shrubs.
Gale-force winds can turn loose branches into dangerous projectiles that may cause personal injury and property damage. - Install storm shutters.
Shattered glass is another serious risk during a hurricane. Alternatively, you could obtain fitted plywood panels and nail them to the window frames. Don't forget about sliding glass doors, which are particularly vulnerable. - Check all exterior doors.
Quality storm doors should have a minimum of three hinges, as well as a deadbolt lock that's at least one inch long. - Clear the yards.
Don't assume that an object is heavy enough to withstand strong winds. Grills, bicycles, lawn furniture, toys, and anything else that's not fastened down should be moved to a safe place. - Seal outside wall openings.
Use a high-quality, urethane-based caulk to seal vents, outdoor electrical outlets, and other spots where cables and pipes enter the walls. Inspect the exterior of your home regularly and make sure cracks in the foundation and other damages are repaired as soon as possible. - Clean and repair gutters and downspouts.
Clogged gutters can quickly become flooded, leading to serious damage. Clear all debris and make sure gutters and downspouts are securely attached. - Update old garage doors and tracks.
No matter how well-protected windows and exterior doors are, it could all be in vain if the garage door can't withstand storm winds. Replace an older garage door with one that's approved for wind pressure and impact protection. - Move cars to the garage or carport.
Ensure that they have a full tank of gas and an emergency kit in case you have to evacuate. - Wait for the "all clear."
In the event that you have to evacuate, don't re-enter your home until it's been inspected for damage. If you shelter at home, don't go out until authorities determine that it's safe.
We don't just help you find a Central Florida home. Our experienced real estate agents go the extra mile to help you protect your investment. Contact us at Wagner Realty for more information.