3 Ways to Make Sure You’re Prepared This Hurricane Season

As a resident of Jacksonville, Florida, you are used to summers with heat indexes that reach over a hundred degrees and winter temperatures that hover around the low 20s. Then, there is severe weather that includes tornadoes and lightning storms. Floridians have to brace for all kinds of seasonal challenges. Perhaps the most worrisome, however, is the threat of hurricanes from June to November. To minimize loss, damage, and injury, never underestimate the impact of these storm systems. Keep your home and loved ones safe by preparing in advance for the hurricane season.

Make an Emergency Plan

The first step in preparing for the hurricane season is knowing the evacuation zones and having an evacuation plan. Determine how you will contact everyone in your family if you’re separated, and establish a meeting place. It’s not a bad idea to do a practice run. You’ll ensure everyone is familiar with the route and will feel comfortable if it ever becomes necessary to evacuate.

Gather Emergency Supplies

Stock at least three days of non-perishable food items and three gallons of water per person in your family. Also, prepare a disaster kit with the following items:

• First aid supplies
• Flashlights
• Hand crank or battery-powered radio
• Batteries for flashlights and radios
• Clothing
• Garbage bags, moist towelettes, and plastic ties
• Manual can opener
• Medications and pain relievers
• Sleeping bags and blankets

Remember to have cash on hand. If you have an infant or pets, remember to include supplies they will need, too.

Protect Your Property

Clean outdoor drains to prevemt damage from pooling water. Wind-blown items and flooding can affect your air conditioning unit. If a hurricane is approaching, move outdoor furniture and garbage cans indoors, and secure windows and doors.

Make copies of important documents, including home and health insurance policies. You should keep these in a portable, waterproof container. Taking these precautions can mitigate any loss in the event of a hurricane. For information about repairing HVAC systems after a storm, contact the experts at Cool Connections, Inc. at 904-685-1582.

Image provided by Shutterstock