The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1st through November 30th every year, with storms typically peaking in the months of August and September. However, as many Floridians know, it is never too early to begin preparing. While we can’t control when or where a hurricane will hit, the best way to minimize potential consequences is to always be prepared. Read on to learn important Florida hurricane preparation tips to ensure you and your loved ones are prepared and safe.
1. Establish a Plan
Before hurricane season arrives, it is important to have an emergency plan in place to ensure all bases are covered and to provide peace of mind. This plan may include:
- A list of emergency contacts
- A plan for evacuation if necessary
- A plan for sheltering in place
- A plan for your pets
- A plan for your belongings
2. Stock Up on Essential Supplies
Based on the damages that have been assessed from previous hurricanes, Florida locals are encouraged to have at least 7 days-worth of supplies when going into hurricane season. Some of the most essential Florida hurricane items include:
- Food and Water – Water and non-perishable food items should be essential to any Florida hurricane preparedness kit. A good rule of thumb is to have 1 gallon of water per person in your household per day, for a total of up to 7 days. When preparing for a hurricane, it is recommended to avoid buying fresh food items (like vegetables, fruits, and meats) and instead stock up on non-perishable items such as canned soups, dried fruits, and crackers. Additionally, do not forget to purchase a hand-operated can opener! This way, if the storm causes your power to go out for several hours or multiple days, you will still have access to food and water in your home.
- Household Items – If you decide to ride the storm out at home, you may need to perform some basic home repairs to keep your living space dry and safe. It is important to have a basic tool kit on hand that may consist of items such as a hammer, nails and screws, a wrench, and a screwdriver. All of these tools will come in handy if you need to manually turn off utilities – like gas or water pipes – that may succumb to damage during the storm.
- Medical and Hygiene Supplies – In the event of accidental injury, it is always important to have a first aid kit – especially when you are unable to leave your house. In addition, toilet paper, paper towels and sanitary wipes, along with disinfectant soap, dry shampoo, and other basic hygiene products are also essential.
- Other Florida Hurricane Essentials Include – Water storage containers, cooking and eating utensils, Grill / camp stove, ice chest, Brooms & mops, Pet supplies, trash bags, USB power bank, gloves & safety goggles.
3. Secure Your Home
Florida hurricane season can often bring damaging winds, storm surge and flooding to our local communities. That is why properly securing your home before a storm hit is crucial for your safety. Boarding up your windows, securing loose outdoor objects, trimming trees and shrubs, securing your roof, and reinforcing your garage doors are all ways you can prepare your home for hurricane season.
Necessary Items May Include:
- Duct tape / masking tape
- Bolts
- Heavy tarps and plastic
- Storm Panels and hardware
4. Stay Informed
Just because some of us may be accustomed to Florida hurricane season does not mean it is something to ever take lightly. It is essential to always stay informed about the latest hurricane forecasts and warnings in order to prepare accordingly. These natural disasters are often extremely unpredictable, but with proper knowledge and preparedness, you can help ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
Hagan Ace Hardware stores are stocked and ready to provide many hurricane prep items and essential supplies that can help you weather the approaching hurricane season. Make sure to stop by your neighborhood Hagan Ace Hardware. Click here to find our 10 store locations in Northeast Florida.