Hurricane season is scary. As these rapid gusts of wind approach, those affected often panic. However, you can help to keep your emotions in check by being prepared. At Naples Shutter, we recommend starting early to ensure your family and home are truly ready for any weather.
Your Steps Toward Hurricane Readiness 
The best time to prepare for hurricane season is before it begins. Doing so will save you from rushing through your checklist at the last minute or waiting until it's too late. Prepare your home while shelves are still stocked, and you’ll be set for any storm. You can begin preparing for hurricane season by following these tips.
Fortifying Your Home
You want to do everything possible to ensure your home withstands the impact of the hurricane. Install impact glass, storm shutters, or accordion shutters to protect your windows. It’s important to research and install products that are hurricane impact-rated.
You can replace rock landscaping with fire-resistant materials. These are lighter and don’t create much damage. In addition, make sure to trim trees and cut weak branches that could easily fall on your house. Other steps you can take include:
- Installing hurricane-proof doors
- Changing sliding glass doors to tempered glass
- Replacing old garage doors with impact-resistant doors
- Sealing outside wall openings
Making all these changes is an investment, so break it into phases. But the more protection you have for your home, the more likely it is to remain standing after the storm.
Checking Your Insurance Policy
Insurance is designed to protect you, but things can go wrong. Policies can be canceled or simply not provide enough coverage. Call your insurance company and verify that your policy will cover repairs or replacement of your home and belongings.
You’ll also want to invest in a separate policy that covers flooding. It’s important to note that these policies have a 30-day wait period. During this time, document your belongings using photos and serial numbers. Having this information will simplify filing a claim for these possessions.
Assembling Supplies
If a hurricane watch or warning is issued, you will need supplies whether you leave your home or stay to weather the storm. Your stockpile of food, water, and more should be large enough to not only get you through the worst of the bad weather but to help you survive the aftermath as well. It may take some time to gather enough to ensure hurricane readiness, but make sure to stock your shelves with:
- Water
- Non-perishable foods
- Pet food
- Three-day supply of medicine for each family member
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlights
- Solar-powered USB charger
- Cash
You can read the FEMA emergency supply checklist for more information on creating a disaster supply kit.
Formulating an Evacuation Plan
Anyone in the path of the hurricane needs an evacuation plan. You shouldn’t wait until the day before the expected impact. Instead, start developing a plan with your family now. Determining where you will go and how to get there takes time and coordination.
Protect Your Home with Hurricane-Ready Shutters
Naples Shutter has a variety of shutters that can make your home stand apart from everyone else and protect it during a hurricane. Contact us today to see how we can help.
