The beginning of June marks the start of Hurricane Season in Florida, which runs from June 1 – November 30. Which according to forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will be plenty active this year.
“NOAA predicts a likely range of 9 to 15 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 4 to 8 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 2 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).”
In order to prepare your home and family for this hurricane season, we’ve gathered some helpful tips and resources. Here are a few:
Make a Plan
Sit down and discuss your family’s plan in the event of a hurricane or other emergency. Do your children have another adult they can contact if they cannot reach you? Do you have a place to stay if you need to evacuate? Do you have a plan for your pets?
Decide on a safe place to meet back up if you are separated and make a copy of your plan, along with emergency contact information and phone numbers, for each member of the family.
Gather Supplies for Emergency Kits
Don’t wait for the power to be out to find out your flashlight is out of batteries. American Red Cross suggests at least having these items in a Hurricane emergency kit:
Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
Flashlight
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
Multi-purpose tool
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
Cell phone with chargers
Family and emergency contact information
Extra cash
Emergency blanket
Map(s) of the area
Depending on your family’s needs and location, you may need additional supplies. You can see the full list from the American Red Cross here.
Prepare Your Home in Tampa
There are a few simple things you can do to get your home prepared for a hurricane.
Store lawn furniture, toys, gardening tools and trashcans (away from stairs and exits) to prevent them from being thrown.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding and unnecessary pressure on your awnings.
Invest in hurricane impact windows.
Hurricane impact windows from FAS Windows & Doors can withstand hurricane force winds, flying debris, torrential rains, and extreme pressure changes; making them a reliable solution for hurricane preparedness.
Beyond protecting your home during a storm, hurricane impact windows are energy-efficient, noise-reducing, durable, and add value to your home without detracting from its beauty.
For more information regarding our impact glass options, or for a window brand comparison, contact an FAS Windows & Doors expert by calling 877-289-0825 or visit us at our Tampa showroom to see full-size samples of the different product lines we carry.
FASWD 5/29/2019