Whether you're new to Florida or a seasoned pro, the start of Hurricane Season can be a little nerve-wrecking. With some preparation there is no need to worry. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the hurricane season ahead.
First and foremost, it's important to stay informed about any potential storms or hurricanes in the area. You can do this by monitoring local news and weather reports, as well as signing up for emergency alerts from your county or state. Here are links to sign up to some Local County Alerts:
Orange County Alert: https://www.orangecountyfl.net/Home/NewslettersAlerts/OCFLAlert.aspx
Osceola County Alert: https://www.osceola.org/agencies-departments/emergency-management/alert-osceola/
Lake County Alert: https://www.lakecountyfl.gov/emergency-management/storm-updates
Polk County Alert: https://www.polksheriff.org/citizen-alerts
Seminole County Alert: https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/departments-services/county-managers-office/prepare-seminole/stay-informed/
It's also a good idea to have a plan in place for evacuation, including knowing your evacuation zone and having a designated meeting place for your family. Additionally, make sure to secure your home by boarding up windows and doors, if needed, and bringing in any outdoor furniture or objects that could become projectiles in high winds.
Finally, here is a list of items to have on hand in case of a hurricane:
1. Non-perishable food items (canned goods, dried fruit, nuts, etc.)
2. Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day)
3. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
4. Flashlights and extra batteries
5. First aid kit
6. Prescription medications and medical supplies
7. Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.)
8. Cash and important documents (insurance policies, passports, etc.)
9. Portable phone charger and extra batteries
10. Tarps, plastic sheeting, and duct tape for emergency repairs
Even after going through 7 Hurricane seasons in Florida, including a few scary ones in South Florida, I can say that being prepared truly helps! We have been fortunate that we haven't had to evacuate, but there have been a few days we have spent without power and being prepared was so important. In future blogs I'll share some tips about what to do when a Hurricane is on the way.
As always, please feel free to reach out if I can help!
- Lily Lassalle
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