Preparing for Hurricane & Storm Season in Central Florida
- jminerd
- Jul 24, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 7, 2023
It’s summertime, which means high temps in Central Florida — and hurricane season! Whether you’ve been here for years or are new to the Sunshine State, it’s important to be prepared when hurricane season rolls around, especially since storms can be highly unpredictable. And although we don’t get hit as hard here in Central Florida as the coast often does, hurricanes and severe storms can still cause a lot of damage and stress, including power outages, property damage, downed trees, and flooding.
When a major storm system is brewing, we typically have a few days warning before it makes landfall. It’s important to use that time to prepare! Here are our top tips on how to prepare for a hurricane or major storm:
Have at least 7 days of non-perishable food and water
Stock up on batteries
Have at least 2 weeks of medication on hand
Stock up on the other essentials like flashlights, candles, cash, a first aid kit, games/books/puzzles (especially if you have kids!), back-up chargers, paper products, pet care items, an NOAA Weather Radio, etc.
Be sure to store important papers and belongings in a safe, secure, and dry place
Fill your car up with gas
Board up your windows
Stay away from windows during the storm
Trim the trees and shrubs around your property
Inspect your home for potential for flooding so you can best prepare
Don’t use generators inside
Don’t use gas or charcoal grills inside
Don’t drive through moving water, even if it’s low
Maintain a list of important phone numbers
Create a family evacuation plan, including multiple routes in case of road closures
Follow evacuation orders - you and your family are always better safe than sorry!
Consider using sandbags to offer some protection against flooding
Flood insurance doesn’t tend to be a standard part of home insurance - take a look at FEMA flood and risk maps to determine if flood insurance is an addition you should make
When the storm is coming, fill your bathtub and several buckets with water
Following a storm, be sure not to touch metal fences as downed power lines can cause the metal to conduct electricity
Avoid heavily flooded areas which can prove dangerous due to bacteria, debris, and wildlife
Be a good neighbor!!
Remember, it’s far better to be prepared for a hurricane or storm that doesn’t come than to risk not being ready if it does hit.
And finally, if you suffer from garage door damage due to a storm, or otherwise are in need of garage door repair or replacement, contact JP Garage Door Services!
Proudly serving all of your garage door sales, repair, and installation needs in Longwood, Lake Mary, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Winter Park, Maitland, Eustis, Mount Dora, and the Greater Orlando area!
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