Fort Myers Hurricane Preparedness – When to Start?

Hurricane is a type of natural disaster that can shatter lives as well as damage properties. Even though you cannot control it, there are certain steps you can take once you get a warning. Being prepared for the hurricane would help you and your family remain safe and minimize the storm’s impact on your lives. The best time to start preparing is when the threat of the storm is imminent.

Don’t wait until the hurricane; take these steps beforehand before it is too late. Here is a list of steps you should take.  Save this article now to make it easier to stay organized during such an overwhelming time.

To fix the damage after the storm, you can recruit a professional restoration company like 911 Restoration, making restoring the damage easier.

1.    Be Ready to Evacuate

If you live close to the coastline, then you need to evacuate your home. Listen to the government authorities and never ignore the warning. Even well-built houses near the coast can’t stand against the storm. Therefore, staying at home to protect your property is not worth risking your life.

That is why it is wise to create an evacuation plan and include all of your family members in it, so they’re up-to-date on it as well. Take a note of all the nearest shelters and take your important belongings with you, such as important papers or jewelry.

However, always listen to authorities regarding whether you should evacuate or stay at home. If you’re not close to the coastline, you may hear an order to stay at home. If driving conditions are dangerous, staying at home might be safer than leaving.

Keep the news switched on at home and have your bags packed if you hear a warning to evacuate. Safety experts also instruct never to stand close to windows. You could get hurt by pieces of broken glass or flying debris during a storm.

2.    Pack Emergency Supplies

When an emergency like a hurricane warning is issued, most people will rush to grocery stores to get all the supplies they need if they get trapped in their homes. As much as possible, get ahead of the crowd and grab the following:

• A flashlight
• A portable weather radio
• A three-day supply of drinking water
• A wrench and other basic tools
• Candles or lamps with fuel in case of a power outage
• Extra batteries
• First aid supplies such as bandages
• Food that you don’t have to refrigerate or cook, such as granola bars
• Matches
• Prescription drugs

If you’re planning to evacuate, pack these in a bag and bring the supplies with you.

3.    Review Your Insurance Policies

It is important to see what your insurance will cover and whether it is sufficient to repair or rebuild your home. Remember, if you are forced to relocate due to hurricane damage, your homeowners’ insurance will cover the cost of temporary repairs as well as reasonable additional living expenses (ALE) over and above your normal living expenses.

However, if your homeowners’ policy does not include coverage for this damage, you may want to consider purchasing flood insurance. If you live near the coast, you may also require a separate policy to cover damage caused by hurricanes.

If you have any questions about what your current policy will cover or if you need to add additional coverage to your current policy, you should speak with your insurance professional before the storm arrives.

4.    Take Steps to Protect Your Home

Hurricanes and strong winds can break and destroy properties no matter how well-built they are. Reduce repair expenses by taking a few steps to protect your home contents and the structure of your home from this damage.

• Seal cracks in walls – Water can easily seep through cracks and gaps in walls; that is why it is important to seal all gaps to prevent indoor flooding and water damage during hurricanes and rains.
• Install storm shutters – Taking this precaution will prevent your windows from breaking during the storm. The other way to protect windows is to install plywood panels, which can be nailed to the frames of your windows when a storm is approaching.
• Cut weak branches and trees – Branches can easily fall onto houses and even break windows and roofs; that is why get them chopped when a storm is approaching.
• Tempered glass doors – Install these doors, especially if you have a sliding door. Build them using tempered glass and cover them with shutters or plywood. These doors break easily by force from strong winds.

When to Call 911 Restoration?

Fortunately, 911 Restoration of Fort Myers is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With our advanced equipment and water damage experts, we provide reliable services at any time. We help you deal with water damage issues and restoration of property after disasters like hurricanes.

Quick action is critical for preventing water damage. The sooner you act, the better! Contact us now at (239) 322-1217!