Preparing Your Home for Hurricane Season in South Florida

One of the most effective ways to protect your windows during a hurricane is by installing storm shutters. These can be made of metal, polycarbonate, or other durable materials that can withstand high winds and flying debris. Alternatively, impact-resistant windows are designed to endure the force of a hurricane and prevent breakage.

Ensure that all exterior doors are sturdy and have at least three hinges and a deadbolt lock with a minimum one-inch bolt throw length. Consider installing storm doors for added protection. Double doors should be secured with heavy-duty bolts at the top and bottom.

Inspect your roof for any loose or damaged shingles and repair them promptly. Consider adding hurricane straps or clips to your roof to reinforce the connection between the roof and walls. This can help prevent your roof from being torn off during high winds. Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris to prevent water damage.

An emergency kit is essential for surviving a hurricane and its aftermath. Your kit should include:

• Water: At least one gallon per person per day for at least three days
• Non-perishable food: A three-day supply for each person
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications: A seven-day supply for each person
• Personal hygiene items: Soap, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, and toothbrushes
• Important documents: Copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank records stored in a waterproof container
• Cash: ATMs and credit card machines may not be working after a hurricane

Know your evacuation routes and have a plan in place for where you will go if you need to evacuate. Inform all family members of the plan and establish a meeting point in case you get separated. Keep a list of emergency contacts and ensure that all family members have this information.

Keep trees and shrubs around your home well-trimmed to reduce the risk of branches breaking off and causing damage during high winds. Remove any dead or weak branches that could pose a threat to your home.

Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, and other loose items that could become projectiles during a hurricane. If items cannot be brought inside, secure them with ropes or straps to prevent them from being blown away.

Consider investing in a generator to provide backup power in case of an outage. Ensure that you have enough fuel to run the generator for several days and that it is stored safely. Follow all safety guidelines for operating a generator to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.