Living near the ocean, with its breathtaking views and temperate climate is ordinarily wonderful. However, there’s one big danger associated with coastal living: hurricanes.
You can’t stop hurricanes from coming, but you can take steps to minimize damage and prepare for the aftermath. Here are 6 ways to prepare for hurricane season:
- Check your documents
Review insurance documents with your agent annually to make sure you have sufficient coverage. Also, keep an itemized list of valuables in your home. Take pictures wherever possible.
Make copies of all your important identifying information. Keep originals or hard copies of all important documents in a secure location, like a safe deposit box. You can even take photos of essential financial documents and email them to your family members.
2. Protect your property against flooding
Before storm season, spend an afternoon cleaning your gutters and downspouts to ensure they’re in optimal working order. During the next rainfall, do a quick scout of your external drains and pipes, checking that they’re working effectively and that there are no areas where water gathers. If you spot a problem, take note of what needs to be fixed and tackle the job as quickly as you can after the rain.
3. Inspect your property’s structure
Ensure there are no structural issues on your property that can be worsened by a hurricane. Shaky roofs, loose shingles and weakened external walls can all give storm winds entry to your home where they can do substantial damage. Check your windows, too, sealing up leaks and making sure the latches are secure.
4. Review your evacuation route
Prepare your evacuation route in advance and make plans for where you’d stay in case of a storm. Don’t forget to plan for your furry friends. Many shelters will house dogs and cats in an emergency.
5. Stock up!
To ease your pre-storm prep, get your stock ready now. Designate an area in your home for storm supplies and keep it stocked with bottled water, flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit and non-perishable food items. You might also want to purchase several power banks for your cell phones and laptops in case of a power outage. This is especially important if you lose power – your phone is your lifeline during a storm. Having a charged phone means having access to weather apps, letting your family know you are okay and even the ability to review your finances remotely in case of emergency.
6. Financial Preparation
Downloading your financial institution's app will save you time and stress in case of an emergency. Our We Florida Financial Mobile app provides a secure, convenient way to access your accounts anytime, anywhere, using your mobile device. You’ll have access to transfer funds, pay bills, deposit checks and many more useful features that could prove to be lifesaving during the aftermath of a storm. With the potential for mail delays post-hurricane, you don’t want to fall behind on payments or not have access to your money. If you need information or assistance regarding our app, give us a call at 954-745-2400.