If you’re lucky enough to live in Sarasota, Florida, you enjoy beautiful weather the majority of the time. During hurricane season, however, you should take steps to make sure you and your family are properly prepared. The season runs for six months, from June 1 through Nov. 30, so take the following steps now to make sure your family and belongings weather the hurricane season as well as possible:
Related Blog: How to Prepare Your Home Before a Hurricane
Keep a Supply of Food and Water
Make sure you have a minimum of the following:
- At least 1 gallon of water per person for 3-7 days
- Non-perishable foods for 3-7 days
- A non-electric can opener
- Blankets
- Pillows
- A first-aid kit
Protect Your Documents
Keep important papers, including a thumb drive with backup computer files, in a plastic Ziploc bag.
Have a Flashlight, Radio, and Batteries
Make sure you have a strong working flashlight and emergency radio, with fresh batteries for each.
Have a Plan
Create an evacuation plan with your family members, and practice it in advance of an emergency to avoid confusion. Also learn where evacuation routes and shelters are in your area.
Keep Your Gas Tank Full
Gas supplies could run short in the event of an emergency, and you don’t want to risk running out of gas while you’re in a line of cars trying to evacuate.
Check Your Homeowner’s Insurance
Make sure your homeowner’s insurance is up to date and covers everything you need it to, such as your boat. Flood insurance often isn’t included on a standard policy, so you may want to purchase it separately.
Document Your Belongings
Take a video of your belongings, walking throughout your house and opening drawers and closets. Make sure to include footage of any exterior belongings or structures, such as a storage shed or boat.
Secure Your Boat
If you have a boat, make sure to strip it of sails or anything that’s removable. Add extra lines if it’s in the water, and consider strapping it down and securing it to an anchor. If you store your boat in a marina, the best choice is one with floating docks and tall pilings.
For more tips on how to properly secure your boat during hurricane season, contact Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift for more information.
