Florida Disaster Preparation
Key Takeaways
• The best time to get ready is before you need to.
• Review evacuation plans, secure your property, and stock up on supplies.
• Check insurance policies, protect windows, and clear debris from yards.
It is safe to say that our climate crisis has disrupted nearly every aspect of life in Florida. One notable outcome in the real estate market is the trend of Florida homebuyers becoming more risk-averse. This shift has been ongoing for several years, driven by an increase in property damage caused by natural disasters. If you want to protect your home or are looking for a home that can offer protection from disasters, consider the following essentials to prepare for a potential catastrophe.
Disaster-Proofing Your Home
The specific approach to "disaster-proofing" your home depends on the types of calamities it is most likely to face. In hurricane-prone areas, investing in impact-resistant windows and doors, as well as taking precautions against flood damage, is crucial. You should store valuable papers in a waterproof container and keep it on the highest floor of your home. It's a good idea to take photos of important documents to save on your phone. Fill your gas tanks and check your vehicles for proper oil levels, air pressure, and other potential issues. If you have a generator, keep it fueled and test it periodically.
About Pets
Have pets? Now's the time to plan what to do with them. Most shelters don't allow pets, so research pet-friendly options in the area. If you have the means, many motels and hotels accept pets, but you'll want to plan. If your pets haven't been microchipped, get that done and email a copy of the paperwork to yourself so you can access it if needed. You should also get an ID tag for your pet with your cell phone number on it. Take pictures of your pet from all angles and store them online for safekeeping. Make sure you have a crate and/or carrier for your pet in case you need to evacuate. Additionally, have your pet's vaccination records available for hotels, shelters, or any other necessary purposes.
Alternative Energy Sources
If your home regularly loses power in storms, it might be time to start shopping for a generator. If you do, also install battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors inside your home.
A backup generator can keep your home operational if the power goes out for a few hours or, at most, a few days. However, for prolonged outages, an alternative energy source can ensure that the lights remain on and the refrigerator continues functioning for much longer. While technology for various energy sources continues to evolve, solar power remains the most viable option for powering a home entirely off the grid.
About Safe Rooms
In the face of both natural and artificial disasters, a safe room can provide your family with a last line of defense in a wide array of scenarios. Often designed to withstand everything from home invasions to nuclear blasts, these high-end shelters have become popular among luxury homeowners and are likely to continue gaining traction.
My Florida Weather
Since moving to Florida in 2002, my family, our dog, and I have experienced three major hurricanes, along with several near-misses. The first hurricane struck us without shutters and with only the essentials needed to survive a Category 4 storm. It hit in the middle of the night, making the situation even scarier. We quickly discovered that horizontal rain was seeping in through the gaps under the windows and doors. In response, we stuffed towels into the openings and mopped up the water all night long. The power was out for nearly a week, with outside temperatures soaring into the high eighties, making it uncomfortable to stay indoors. However, we endured the situation and were fortunate that there wasn't much damage.
Since then, we have installed impact windows and a metal roof to complement our CBS-constructed home, which makes us feel much more secure in the face of future storms. Many people fear such events, but natural disasters are occurring across the country. Thankfully, we have the advantage of advanced warning, allowing us time to prepare or evacuate if necessary. Florida may not be for everyone, but it certainly beats dealing with earthquakes, blizzards, and wildfires, all while providing abundant sunshine and pleasant winters.
