Life in Sunny Sarasota is hard to beat, whether you enjoy spending time on the beaches or being immersed in the vibrant cultural arts scene. Like many other parts of coastal Florida though, Sarasota is exposed to the brunt of hurricanes each year, and protection is a must. From hurricane shutters, to impact windows and doors, storm protection Sarasota FL is vital for your safety. Let us show you how to prepare for a hurricane this hurricane season.
When talking about hurricane preparation, people often consider the exterior of the house before the interior. This is for good reason, as often there are several windows and doors which may be prone to impact or wind damage. Although when it comes to storm protection Sarasota FL or nearby, one should also prepare aspects of the interior of the house.
Here is a look at how you can prepare the inside of your home for a hurricane, as the season is still so far away you may wish to print this in advance.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane
Prepare an Emergency Kit
There are countless articles online written about preparing an emergency kit for hurricanes, although the best information comes from the Federal Emergency Management Association. Learn how to prepare an adequate hurricane kit here.
Protect Valuables and Documents
A common occurrence during hurricanes is flooding, which can damage valuable goods and documents alike. If you’re expecting a hurricane then you should invest in a quality waterproof container or bag to store things in. Valuable documents may include:
– Birth certificates
– College and University certificates
– Home insurance information
– Passports
– Tax forms and relevant receipts
– Family photographs
– Artworks
Either storing these in a high place in the waterproof container in your home or bringing them with you in a waterproof bag should ensure their safety.
Crimes of Opportunity
Although most forms of crime fall during a hurricane, robberies do tend to increase a little as people are aware that houses may be left unoccupied during evacuations. These are referred to as crimes of opportunity, and it may be near impossible to protect your home from being broken into while you’re away. Instead, you should consider investing in a safe or at least bringing the most valuable objects you have, e.g. jewelry, laptops, etc.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane & Prepare your Electronics
As previously stated, when preparing the inside of your home you should do so expecting that water will come inside. That means that all electronics near doors, windows, or on the floor should be unplugged and moved to a position where they are least likely to receive water damage. Leaving anything plugged in during a hurricane can risk a surge, which can cause a fire and destroy your home, so this is an imperative step to safeguard your home and possessions.
Inspect and Maintain your Generator
If you have a generator that you will rely on during emergencies, then you should regularly inspect it and take it in for maintenance. Make sure all repairs are done well in advance so that you can utilize it for lights, refrigeration, or your HVAC system if necessary in the days after the storm.
Check for Any Signs of Leaking
If you notice any leaking caused by broken seals or cracks in doors, then you should sort these out well in advance too. Any sign of leaking prior to a hurricane will indicate an access point for the sheer amount of water that comes with such storms. It may also indicate a part of the house which is more prone to becoming damaged or collapsing in.
Secure Your Furniture
When preparing for a hurricane, it’s wise to prepare as if you’re expecting flooding and strong winds within the house. With this in mind, you will want to secure all of your furniture, as a bookshelf toppling over may damage the floor, walls, windows, or other furniture. Move furniture away from the entryways and windows, and utilize brackets or straps to fix them in place. This will save you from having to replace expensive furniture if your house is hit by the worst of a hurricane.
Prepare your Pets
Animals are attuned to the climate in different ways to us, and can sense a storm well before it hits. Often they will go into survival mode, which may mean they become aggressive or non-responsive. Depending on the severity of the hurricane, you may want to prepare a room for them to wait it out in. Otherwise getting a crate and getting them comfortable sitting or laying in it ahead of time can save you and your pets a lot of stress.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane & Enhancing Your Storm Protection in Sarasota FL
Whether you’re looking for sun or storm protection Sarasota FL, we’ve got you covered. With years of experience in providing hurricane protection to a range of homes, we’re confident that we can help you save both money and time when the next storm hits. Be sure to check out our website to see what we can offer, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
