How Can I Protect Myself During Hurricane Season in Florida?
With hurricane season posing a yearly threat to Floridians, preparation is key to protecting yourself, your family, and your property. In the wake of devastating storms, many Florida residents were left wondering what more they could have done to stay safe.
At Stein Law, we care about the safety of our community and want to ensure you are fully prepared for whatever the season brings. Below are practical hurricane safety tips to follow before, during, and after a storm.
Keep Up With Hurricane News
One of the only good things about a hurricane compared to other natural disasters is that they are predictable well in advance of making landfall. Bookmark the National Hurricane Center to stay up to date on the latest hurricane information throughout the season. Here you’ll see the latest data, hurricane trackers, tropical storm advisories, and more. Listen to local news stations to understand the potential impact your area might experience during a hurricane. Always take warnings and evacuation commands seriously.
Plan Ahead For Hurricanes
As many recently realized during Hurricane Irma, waiting on the news that a hurricane is on its way is too late for adequate preparation. By this time, store shelves may be empty and gas will be scarce. Instead, keep your pantry stocked with hurricane preparedness foods well in advance. These may include fresh water, canned soups, powdered milk, and other items that won’t easily spoil. Keep an emergency go bag handy as well. This should contain:
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Candles
- Matches
- First aid kit
- Bottled water
- Whistle
- Local maps
- Battery-operated radio
The more prepared you are for a hurricane, the easier it will be if one actually comes your way. Emergency preparedness can save your life during a natural disaster. If the hurricane leaves you stranded without food or water, you’ll have your backup stores to survive on until help arrives. Be sure to include medications and copies of critical information as necessary, and a generator in the likely event that you lose power. Know ahead of time where the nearest evacuation shelter is, as well as the nearest hospital.
Prepare Your Home to Handle a Hurricane
Home prep is critical during a hurricane or tropical storm. Safeguarding your home can increase the protection of your family, and potentially reduce the amount of storm damage. Trim any limbs or remove any trees that appear dead or hang over your home before hurricane season begins. Clear your gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and flooding around the base of your home. Reinforce the roof and consider investing in storm doors and windows.
If your home is in the path of a hurricane, protect it from flooding using sandbags around the exterior of your home. Place wooden panels over all windows to prevent them from shattering. Close storm shutters and stay away from windows. Sign up for a local text or email alert to get constant updates about the storm’s movements. Watch the news as much as possible before you lose power. If you are in an optional or mandatory evacuation area, heed the warnings and get out as soon as possible. You are better off waiting out the storm in a safe location.
Contact Stein Law for Post-Storm Legal Help
If a hurricane has caused damage to your home or harmed you or your loved ones due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Stein Law, we represent individuals and families throughout Florida dealing with:
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Denied or delayed insurance claims
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Property damage disputes
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Injuries from unsafe conditions before or after a storm
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and take the next steps toward recovery.
Stay Safe. Stay Informed. Stay Prepared.
Florida’s hurricane season is nothing to take lightly. By following these tips, you can better protect yourself and your family—and if you need legal support in the storm’s aftermath, Stein Law is here to help.
