While planning summer pool parties and boating trips, don’t forget to plan for the upcoming hurricane season. With so many new residents in Miami, we thought these advanced preparation tips would be especially useful to help both newcomers and longtime residents protect their property and loved ones as storm season approaches.
1. Inspect and Maintain Your Home Generator
A reliable generator can be a lifeline during power outages caused by hurricanes. Beyond just having a generator, it's crucial to ensure it is in good working condition before hurricane season hits. Make sure you run your generator for a few minutes every month to keep it ready for immediate use. Also, store enough fuel in a safe location, as fuel can be hard to find during a disaster.
2. Review and Update Your Insurance Policy
Homeowners often overlook the importance of regularly reviewing their insurance policies. As a hurricane approaches, it’s too late to make necessary adjustments to your coverage. Ensure your policy covers not only the structure but also the contents of your home, and consider adding flood insurance if you don't already have it.
3. Test Your Window Accordions and Other Hurricane-Proofing Installations
If your home is equipped with accordion shutters or other hurricane-proofing devices, test them well before a storm is on the horizon. Check for any malfunctions or weaknesses that could compromise their effectiveness. Now is an ideal time to use WD-40 on the sliders.
4. Develop a Comprehensive Evacuation Plan
Evacuating your home might become necessary if a particularly severe hurricane is expected. Develop an evacuation plan that includes multiple routes, as roads may be blocked or closed due to the storm's impact. Keep your car's gas tank full as the storm approaches, and store emergency supplies in your vehicle.
5. Secure Important Documents and Create Digital Backups
In the chaos of a hurricane, important personal documents can be easily damaged or lost. Secure documents such as insurance policies, property deeds, medical records, and personal identification in waterproof containers. Additionally, create digital copies of these documents and upload them to a secure cloud storage service. This step ensures that you can access your important information from anywhere, even if physical copies are destroyed.
6. Coordinate with Neighbors
Building a support network with your neighbors can provide additional safety during a hurricane. Coordinate plans for checking on each other's homes and assisting with preparations and post-storm recovery.
By taking these advanced preparations, Miami homeowners can vastly improve their resilience against hurricanes. The time you invest now in preparing your home and family can mitigate the impacts of a hurricane and help ensure a quicker recovery. Stay safe and prepared!