It’s Florida Hurricane Season: What Homeowners Need To Do To Prepare
Living in Florida is amazing. People come from all over the world to enjoy the sunshine, water, and all things Disney throughout the summer months. However, homeowners need to consider another summer visitor: Florida hurricane season. As a homeowner, you need to prepare your home for the storms to come. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.
#1 Make Sure You Have the Proper Insurance
The first thing you should do is evaluate your current homeowners insurance policy to be sure that it will cover damage incurred during Florida hurricane season, including flooding that may occur. You will also want to be sure that your replacement limits are updated to reflect the true value of your home and its contents. There is nothing more disheartening than learning that your home is not adequately covered after a storm hits.
#2: Create an Inventory List
As part of your insurance evaluation, you should update the inventory list containing all of your home’s contents. This would include additions such as new technology, jewelry, art, and appliances. It can also mean removing items you no longer have. An updated list, especially one with photos will be very helpful if you need to file a claim later.
#3: Check or Install Hurricane Shutters
Before big winds from the Florida hurricane season hit your area, you should check to be sure that your hurricane shutters are still functioning properly. If you do not have shutters, you might want to consider adding them to your home. Shutters can protect your windows from shattering, thus keeping the wind and water from entering into your home.
#4: Check Your Roof
New roof lines in Florida often contain a 30-degree pitch or less. This keeps hurricane force winds from doing as much damage. If you need a new roof, you may want to consider going with something like a hip roof. If you stick with an older style, be sure that it has been secured with straps, gables, brackets, and/or braces. Finally, look at the shingles. Loose or curled shingles are more likely to fail during a hurricane, causing water damage to the interior of your home.
#5: Clean Your Gutters
Clean gutters will allow the rain water to clear away from your home during a storm produced by the Florida hurricane season. If you have clogged gutters, the excess water will run down the walls of your home, causing water damage.
#6: Trim and Remove Trees
Dead limbs and damaged trees become projectiles during a hurricane. Removing anything that can fly through the air or fall to the ground, can keep your property safe.
#7: Determine the Best Place to Be in an Emergency
If you shelter in during a storm, determine the best location in your home. The room should have no windows and be safe from flooding. If you plan to leave your home during a storm, know the evacuation routes for your area and have a plan of action in case of emergency.
Here at Affiliated Homes, we strive to help our clients retain the value of their homes. Explaining how to keep your home safe during the Florida hurricane season is just one way we do that. If you’d like more tips about hurricane preparedness or want to learn other ways to increase your home’s value, give us a call. We’d be happy to help.