Tips for Florida Hurricane Season

Written by admin on June 1, 2023 at 12:00 AM.

The time of heavy rain, hurricane-force wind, and empty grocery store racks is back: hurricane season. If you’ve never experienced a Florida hurricane season before, it’s essential to be aware of what you’ll need in order to be ready. If you’re asking yourself, ‘when is Florida hurricane season?’ For us concerned with the Atlantic hurricane season, it officially begins June 1 and ends November 30.

The National Hurricane Center adapted a newer version of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale in 2010, known as the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, in which only the peak winds are now used to categorize a hurricane.(Via FSU.edu) National Hurricane Center ‘s seasonal outlook is predicting an above-average season with a likelihood of 14-20 named tropical storms (sustained winds of 39 mph or greater) in total and 6-10 hurricanes (hurricane-force winds of 74 mph or greater), which includes 3-5 major hurricanes (peak winds of 111 miles per hour or greater) this Atlantic hurricane season.

We At Stellar Adjusting know it only takes one major tropical storm or hurricane to leave behind extensive damage to your home or business. We want everyone to be as safe as they can while we watch for storms. So, even if this isn’t your first hurricane season in Florida, it’s never too late to learn some new tips to keep you secure and prepared.

Hurricanes in Florida usually mean lots of heavy rain and wind. As we saw with Hurricane Irma, severe weather, heavy wind and rain left most residents without power for days and for some, with flood damage in their homes. Having a plan in place early can greatly eliminate much of the panic that sets in during a massive tropical storm or hurricane.

Stock Up on Emergency Supplies

You should be well-prepared before the outer bands of the storm even get here. Have a very extensive stockpile ready that not only includes the basics like non perishable food, water, and a first aid kit, but real disaster supplies Your kit should include a battery-powered or hand crank radio, flashlights, extra batteries, a whistle, dust masks, tape, moist towelettes, garbage bags, a wrench, a manual can opener, local maps, a backup battery for your phone, prescription and over the counter medication, supplies for babies and pets, and property documents like insurance policies kept in a dry place. Remember to have enough food and supplies to last your whole family at least a week.

Locate Your Nearest Shelter

During an evacuation, not knowing the location of your nearest safety shelter can be life changing. Check FloridaDisaster.org ‘s information for shelters in your area, and memorize your evacuation route.

Create an Extensive Family Communication Plan

The United States Department of Homeland Security prepared a great checklist for making a communication plan that works for your family, in case you’re separated. Things like “What is our plan for getting to the shelter?” may not seem relevant now, but in the moment, you’ll wish you had the answer.

It may also seem unnecessary to practice this plan with your family, but that could be what saves your family when a hurricane strikes. When making your plan, take into account the specific needs of each member, pets, etc so that evacuation is as seamless as it possibly can be.

Prepare your property for Florida Hurricane Season

 

• Keep in mind that hurricane-force wind and other extreme weather conditions are a possibility, and this can leave fallen trees and branches around your home or even cause damage to your home. If there are already damaged trees on your property, remove them before the damaging winds turn them into a projectile and cause catastrophic damage to your home.
• For minimal hurricane damage, secure your property with protective tools to prevent damage. This should include your roof, windows, doors, and garage. Strong winds can be a danger to the above. Hurricane shutters are an excellent option. You should always secure loose tiles in the case of extreme weather and make sure your doors are secure.
• Just in case your home is not evacuated, you’ll need to prepare to keep your family protected in the home without power and other necessities. Invest in a good generator that will be enough for your family when the power goes out. Remember to Keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside and protected from moisture. It’s advised that you keep them at least 20 feet away from windows and doors in the case of strong winds.
• Location is everything; hundreds of homes are on a waterfront property and should be prepared for coastal flooding. If you are near the water, there is always the chance of storm surge flooding. Storm surge occurs when there’s a departure from normal tide levels. This can be as high as 25 feet in major hurricanes, as we saw with Hurricane Ian. In the event of storm surge flooding, stay informed and follow the advice of local emergency management. You might be ordered to evacuate.
• Should you live in a mobile home, it’s imperative you seek safe shelter and evacuate as soon as possible. Hurricane-force winds can easily damage or destroy mobile homes and other non-permanent structures, often moving them away from their foundations. Take any essential belongings and insurance documents with you for safekeeping.

Tracking Hurricane Activity and Staying Informed

During an active hurricane season, staying informed about the latest hurricane activity and advisories is crucial. The Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico are the primary regions where hurricanes form and develop. By monitoring the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and other reliable sources, you can receive real-time updates on storm tracks, forecasted intensities, and potential impacts.

The NHC provides advisories for hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical depressions, offering valuable information about their location, wind speeds, and potential threats to coastal areas. These advisories include storm track projections, which help determine if your region is within the potential path of a hurricane. Pay close attention to any evacuation orders or emergency alerts issued by local authorities.

Having reliable sources for receiving updates, such as the NHC website, local news channels, and smartphone apps that provide real-time weather alerts. Stay connected to emergency management agencies and sign up for text or email alerts to receive timely information regarding hurricane warnings, evacuations, and other safety measures.

Preparing for a Hurricane: Expert Tips

Living in an area prone to hurricanes requires proactive preparation to ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and your property. Here are some expert tips to help you prepare effectively:

1. Develop an Emergency Plan: Create a comprehensive family communication plan that outlines evacuation routes, designated meeting points, and essential contact information. Consider individual needs, such as medical requirements and the well-being of pets, to ensure everyone’s safety.

2. Stock Up on Supplies: Prior to hurricane season, assemble an emergency supply kit that includes non-perishable food, potable water, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, and essential medications. Don’t forget to store important documents, like insurance policies, in a waterproof container.

3. Secure Your Property: Reinforce your home’s structural integrity by installing hurricane shutters, reinforcing doors and windows, and securing loose outdoor items. Regularly trim trees and remove damaged branches to minimize the risk of projectiles during high winds.

4. Consider Flood Protection: If your property is located near the coast or in a flood-prone area, be prepared for storm surge and potential coastal flooding. Follow local authorities’ instructions regarding evacuation orders, and consider flood insurance to protect your property.

Hurricane Insurance Claim Services

Contact Us If your property has been damaged by a major storm. Have a public adjuster on speed dial If your home or business receives extensive damage from a major hurricane or tropical storm, filing an insurance claim is your next step. However, it’ll be wise to have a public adjuster who will work solely and exclusively for you. Public adjusters are trained to get you the payout you deserve.

In case of a major hurricane, have 305-396-9110 stored in your phone ( Stellar has 24/7 access to claim information Some public adjusters like Stellar Adjusting also have an extensive network of professionals from lawyers, contractors, real estate professionals, and loss consultants who all work together to provide the best possible service and get you the maximum payout you’re entitled to.