Weatherize Your Home

The 2020 hurricane system is off to an early start thanks to the appearance of a tropical disturbance in mid-May. There is no time like the present to start preparing your family and your home for hurricane season. Check out these must-do tasks to add to your hurricane prep list.

1. Gather Your Hurricane Emergency Kit
   Hurricane preparedness requires some shopping to create your emergency kit. Find retailers who are selling the items you need, or you may order them online if the brick and mortar stores are a little bare. Here's what a basic hurricane emergency kit should have:

• • A gallon of water per person per day for three days (if your family has four people, this would equal 12 gallons)
  • A three day supply of non-perishable food
  • A manual can opener
  • Batteries for your flashlights and radio
  • Flashlights
  • A hand-crank radio
  • Food and water for your pets
  • Leashes or crates to transport your pets
  • Prescription or over-the-counter medication
  • Dust masks
  • Plastic bags
  • Plastic ties
  • Wet wipes
  • An emergency whistle
  • A small tool kit
  
  Consider stowing your emergency kit in plastic tubs. These tubs are easy to transport, and they'll prevent your essentials from getting wet. 

2. Check Your Insurance Coverage
   Insurance is essential to ensure you're protected against hurricane-related damage. Otherwise, financial complications can prevent you from adding your home to the inventory of Bradenton and Sarasota homes for sale. See that your policy levels are high enough to replace your belongings and rebuild your home. Since the cost to rebuild or repair a property fluctuates, it's important to take these changes into account when reviewing your policy limits. Take a few moments to photograph your possessions (especially items of significant value). Store these pictures on a cloud-storage website. If flood damage from a hurricane is a potential risk, you'll need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy. 

3. Complete Any Overdue Home Maintenance or Repairs
   A properly maintained property is more likely to withstand hurricane-force winds and rain than one that's been neglected. Our real estate agents also find that maintained properties usually generate more buyer interest when they're on the market. Does your roof have a few loose shingles? Have these shingles replaced so that rain doesn't cause moisture damage? Caulk, seal or repair any cracks or holes in your home to keep moisture out and to prevent animals searching for a dry space from entering your home. Want to bolster your home against wind damage? See if storm windows are right for your home. Storm windows are additional windows that you add to the exterior of your home for additional protection.

4. Research When a Hurricane is Coming
   When a hurricane is officially on the way, you need to know what additional things you should do. Make sure that your cars are filled with gasoline, as gas stations may have low supplies and high demand due to the impending storm. Secure any loose items on your deck or patio that can turn into projectiles. This includes things like deck furniture, fire pits, outdoor toys, and planters. Make sure that you have a little cash-on-hand. If the power is out, retailers won't be able to process credit or debit cards. 

Our team hopes these tips help your family prepare for this year's hurricane season. Have more questions about life in Southwest Florida and real estate opportunities? Contact us today!