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Florida is a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches, lots of greenery and entertainment options. Because it is close to the Caribbean, it is exposed to tropical storms and hurricanes. Florida’s hurricane season officially starts on June 1st and runs through November 30th. This period is where the most concentrated episodes of hurricanes and tropical storms in the region. The good news is that hurricanes, unlike other natural events, can have their formation identified reasonably in advance, allowing the inhabitants of exposed regions to prepare.
It’s important to note that even if you don’t live in Florida or aren’t in Florida at the time of a hurricane, there are property managers who can be hired to take care of your property while you’re away. They can even prepare the property and protect it against the arrival of a hurricane. In this way, you can rest easy in Brazil or in your country of origin, knowing that your property is being well taken care of.
Another important fact is that, in the event of a hurricane reaching the region where your property is located, this does not mean that it will be significantly affected. New Florida properties must follow strict building rules, including forecasting the impact of hurricanes. Learn more in this article
In this article we bring tips on how to prepare your family and property for the event of a hurricane in Florida. The information in this article was taken from the website of the American CDC (Center for Desease and Control Prevention) and the National Hurricane Center.
Hurricanes are predictable events. It is possible to prepare in advance!
Today you can determine your personal hurricane risk, find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and review/update insurance policies. You can also make a list of items to replenish hurricane emergency supplies and start thinking about how to prepare your property for the upcoming hurricane season. If you live or own Florida real estate in hurricane-prone areas, it is recommended that you complete these simple preparations before the hurricane season begins on June 1.
Most affected regions are the coastal ones. Hurricane loses strength as it makes landfall
Cities on the east and west coasts of Florida are the most exposed in the event of a hurricane. That’s because the hurricane usually loses strength as soon as it hits the “land” (continental part).
The city of Orlando, for example, which is located in central Florida, is considerably more protected. It is very difficult for a hurricane to maintain its strength once it reaches the coast and travels all the way to Orlando. The chances are minimal. Considering that the storm continues on this trajectory.
Keep reading and stay on top of the top tips on how to prepare for a hurricane in Florida!
Make a plan
Hurricane season in Florida starts June 1st and ends on November 30th. Therefore, knowing that there is a possibility of a hurricane arriving in this period, it is important to make a plan on how to proceed in these episodes.
- The first simple measure is to write down all emergency telephone numbers and an easily accessible place.
- Also have an emergency supply kit
- Locate the nearest shelter and the different routes you can take to get there from your home. If shelter locations in your area have not been identified, learn how to find them in the event of an external storm icon
- Pets: Pre-identify shelters, a pet-friendly hotel, or an out-of-town friend or relative where you can take your pets on an evacuation. Local animal shelters can offer advice on what to do with your pets if you are asked to evacuate your home.
Know the Difference Between a Hurricane “Warning” and “Warning”
As mentioned, hurricanes are quite different from other natural disasters, like an earthquake, for example, which occurs suddenly, without any predictability. Hurricanes can be monitored since their formation. They usually form in the Caribbean Ocean, like a storm, and gain strength over days. So take it easy! When a hurricane formation in Florida is detected, you usually still have days to prepare and, if necessary, leave the region. At this point, the American authorities are very well organized and alerts, guidance and, in extreme cases, evacuation procedures are very well executed.
Watch out for National Weather Service warnings and alerts on TV or radio or check them online. There are two types of alerts:
- Hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or more / 120 km per hour) are possible in a given area. The authorities and specialized institutes issue warnings 48 hours before a predicted storm with stronger winds (between 39 and 73 miles per hour).
- A hurricane warning is more serious. This means that hurricane-force winds are expected in a declared area. Authorities issue these warnings 36 hours before tropical storm-force winds are expected in the area to give people enough time to prepare for the storm.
For more information on hurricane warnings and warnings, check out the official website of the National Weather Service’s Hurricane Center.
Gather emergency supplies
During and after a hurricane, you may need supplies to keep your family safe and healthy. Remember that a hurricane can cut off power and water supplies. You may also not be able to drive because of damage to your car. Roads may be flooded or blocked.
That’s why it’s best to be prepared – stock up on everything you might need right now. Be sure to prepare the following:
- An emergency food and water supply.
- A supply of emergency drugs.
- Emergency power sources such as flashlights (don’t forget extra batteries).
- Security and personal items.
- Important documents, including medical documents, wills, passports and personal identification.
- A fire extinguisher. Make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it! Read the National Fire Protection Association’s tips for using outdoor icon fire extinguishers.
Prepare your car
Make sure your car is ready before the storm hits.
- Always leave it with a full tank
- Keep an emergency kit in your car. Visit Ready.gov for information on how to prepare your car and what to include in your kit.
If you don’t have a car, consider making plans with friends or family, or call authorities to get a ride if you need to evacuate.
Prepare your family and pets
- Review your emergency plan with your family
- Check for updates on the storm at all times. Watch TV, listen to the radio or check online.
- Call the hospital, public health department or the police about special needs. If you or a loved one is older or disabled and can’t get out quickly, ask for advice on what to do
- Put pets and farm animals in a safe place. Read more about pet safety during an emergency
Prepare your property
- Clean up your yard. Make sure there is nothing that could explode during the storm and damage your home. Move bicycles, garden furniture, grills, propane tanks and building material in or under shelters.
- Cover windows and doors. Use blinds or pieces of plywood to protect outside windows. This can help keep you safe from broken glass.
- Always have battery-powered flashlights (in case of a power outage you will need to use them)
- Protect electronics with surge protectors and waterproof coatings.
- Be ready to turn off your power. If you see flooding, downed power lines, or need to leave the house, turn off the power.
- Store water in appropriate containers. There is the possibility of running out of running water during storms. It is also recommended to fill bathtubs and sinks with water for washing.
- Stock up on non-perishable food (canned goods are recommended)
- stock needed medicines
- Check your carbon monoxide (CO) detector battery to avoid CO poisoning
Get ready to evacuate or stay home
Hurricane warnings are not always aimed at abandoning the region. Often the recommendation is to stay at home. However, NEVER (EVER) ignore an evacuation order. New construction in Florida follows strict rules with anti-hurricane technology, but even strong and solid homes may not withstand the impact of a hurricane if it is of a higher category.
However, you may also receive a stay-at-home order. Depending on outside conditions, staying at home is the safest option.
If you need to evacuate:
- Grab your emergency kit and take only what you really need (cell phone, chargers, medicine, ID like passport or license and cash)
- Turn off your appliances. If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity and water
- Follow the roads that emergency professionals recommend, even if there is traffic. Other routes may be blocked or flooded. Never drive through flooded areas – cars and other vehicles can be swept away or can stop working with just 6 inches of moving water.
- Contact your local emergency management office and ask if they offer accommodation for owners and their pets.
If you need to stay home:
- Keep your emergency supply kit in an easily accessible location.
- Listen to the radio or TV for hurricane updates.
- Stay inside. Even if you seem calm, don’t go out. Wait until you hear or see an official message that the hurricane is over. Sometimes the weather is calm in the middle of a storm, but it quickly turns bad again.
- Stay away from windows – you could injure yourself from broken glass or flying debris during a storm. Stay in a windowless room or enter a closet or closet.
- Be ready to leave. If emergency officials order you to leave or if your home is damaged, you may need to go to a shelter or a neighbor’s house.
Hire a company to manage your Florida property
Preparing a property for the arrival of storms and hurricanes in Florida can be extremely difficult for those who do not live in Miami or have a property in the region just to spend seasons. In this way, it is important to hire an experienced property manager in Florida, the so-called Property Managers.
About AMG International Realty
AMG International Realty is a global real estate company specialized in Florida. If you want to know more about real estate opportunities in Florida and property management services in the region, contact me right now and chat with me on WhatsApp: +1 305 318 6968 (Heloisa Arazi)
