Tag: hurricane

5 Ways to Prepare Your Florida Home Now for Hurricane Season

As the summer months approach, it is important to be prepared for potential hurricanes in Florida. Having the proper precautions in place can help protect you, your family, and your home from the possible destruction of a hurricane. In this blog post, we will explore five ways that you can prepare your Florida home now for the season ahead. From securing your roof to stocking up on supplies, these tips can help keep you and your family safe when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

1) Inspect Your Home

When hurricane season rolls around, it’s important to make sure your home is ready for whatever the storms might bring. One of the best ways to do that is to inspect your home and make any repairs needed before the storms arrive. Start by walking around the outside of your house and checking for any damage, like loose or missing shingles, cracked windows, or signs of deterioration. Additionally, check that your gutters are clear and in good condition to prevent water damage. Inside your house, check that all doors and windows will securely shut and lock. Install storm shutters or coverings on windows if you don’t have them already, and ensure that all window and door seals are tight and secure. Check the weather stripping and thresholds of your exterior doors to make sure they are in good condition. Finally, check that all vents are closed and sealed properly, and make sure you have enough supplies, like sandbags, to protect your home in case of flooding. Taking the time to inspect your home now can save you a lot of headaches during hurricane season.

2) Install A Generator

install a generatorFlorida is located in a region that is frequently impacted by hurricanes, which can cause widespread power outages that can last for days or even weeks. Elite is here with the solution you need during this unpredictable time: a whole-home generator. Our team of trained technicians will ensure that they install the correct generator for your home’s needs so that you can enjoy the many benefits:

  • Maintain Power During Outages: A generator can help you maintain power during a hurricane-related power outage, allowing you to keep important appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units running.
  • Protection of Property: A generator can help protect your property from damage caused by power outages, such as spoiled food and flooded basements caused by sump pumps that stop working.
  • Safety: A generator can help ensure your safety during a hurricane by keeping lights on, allowing you to see and move around your home more easily. It can also power medical equipment for those who require it.
  • Resale Value: Installing a generator can increase the resale value of your home, as it is a desirable feature for potential buyers.

Overall, installing a generator can help provide peace of mind during hurricane season and ensure that your home and family are protected during power outages.

3) Clear Debris From Your Yard

clear debrisOne of the most important things you can do to protect your Florida home from hurricane season is to clear debris from your yard. Make sure you inspect your property and remove any loose objects like branches, leaves, or lawn furniture that could become a hazard in high winds. If you have any large trees near your home, consider having them trimmed by an arborist or removed completely to reduce the risk of potential damage during a storm. You may also want to look into installing additional drainage systems or consider raising flower beds and other landscaping features to create better runoff patterns away from your house. Taking these steps now will help ensure your home is more prepared for the upcoming hurricane season.

4) Stock Up On Supplies

stock up on suppliesHaving supplies ready is an important part of preparing your Florida home for hurricane season. Make sure you have enough non-perishable food, water, and medication to last your family at least a week. Also, consider buying items like batteries, flashlights, candles, and a first-aid kit. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, make sure you have sandbags and other items to protect your home from water damage. Additionally, if you rely on electricity for medical equipment or special needs, make sure to have backup generators or other power sources that will keep you safe during power outages. Finally, don’t forget to gather important documents, such as passports, insurance policies, and birth certificates, so you can have them on hand in case you need to evacuate.

5) Have An Evacuation Plan

hurricane evacuation routeWhen hurricane season hits, you may have to evacuate your Florida home to stay safe. In the face of a major storm, it’s important to have an evacuation plan ready. Start by gathering information on the evacuation routes and designated shelters in your area. Make sure you know the route you will take in case of an emergency. Also, create a contact list of friends and family members who live in different areas that you can reach out to for assistance. Additionally, make sure to keep important documents and valuables such as identification, insurance policies, and money in a waterproof bag that you can grab quickly if you need to evacuate. Knowing where these items are ahead of time will save you a lot of hassle if you need to leave. It’s also important to have a checklist of all the items you need for an evacuation, such as food, water, clothing, and medications. Finally, be sure to let others know your evacuation plans before the storm hits. Having your plan communicated with family and friends can help ensure everyone’s safety in case of an emergency. Remember: when it comes to hurricane season, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

With these steps, you can be prepared for anything Florida weather throws your way. Our team at Elite is here to help kick off your hurricane preparation this season by ensuring your generator runs in tip-top shape with regular maintenance and options for a replacement that better suits your home and needs.

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Worried About Hurricane Season? Here's What You Need to Know

With hurricane season upon us, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to prepare for hurricane season, so you can feel confident that you and your loved ones are safe. In this blog post, we'll cover what you need to know about hurricanes so that you can prepare better for them.

Who is Affected By Hurricanes in Florida?

who is affected by hurricanesWith more than 21 million people living in the state, hurricanes are a real and immediate threat to many people. When a hurricane strikes, it can leave behind devastating destruction that can affect your home and even your safety. That’s why it’s important to know who is at risk when a hurricane hits. The most vulnerable people during hurricane season are those who live in coastal communities or along rivers, as well as low-lying areas and areas prone to flooding. These areas may include beach towns, inland cities near bodies of water, or even isolated rural areas. Those living in mobile homes are especially at risk, as they provide very little protection against the powerful winds of a hurricane. The elderly and those with limited mobility can also be particularly vulnerable during a hurricane because they may not be able to evacuate safely.

Everyone in Florida needs to take steps to prepare for hurricane season and stay informed about the latest hurricane activity. Understanding who is affected by hurricanes in Florida is the first step in staying safe and protecting your property during the storm.

What Differentiates a Tropical Storm From a Hurricane?

tropical storm vs hurricaneThe main difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm is wind speed. Hurricanes are much more powerful and destructive than tropical storms because they have sustained winds that reach at least 74 mph. Tropical storms, on the other hand, form from tropical depressions and have wind speeds of 39 mph or less. In addition to wind speed, hurricanes typically have a large and distinct eye, a low-pressure area at the center of the storm. This is surrounded by rain bands, which are thick rings of clouds with intense rainfall. These rain bands can stretch hundreds of miles from the eye of the storm. The strongest winds in a hurricane are located in the eyewall, which is the circle of clouds surrounding the eye. Hurricanes can last for days, while tropical storms usually only last a few hours or up to a day. Hurricanes also tend to bring with them higher amounts of rainfall and storm surges than tropical storms, making them more dangerous and destructive. It's important to remember that all hurricanes start as tropical storms and can quickly strengthen into a hurricane if conditions are right. So it's important to take all tropical storms seriously and be prepared for possible hurricane conditions.

When Do Hurricanes Happen?

when hurricanes occurPhoto courtesy of the National Hurricane Center & Central Pacific Hurricane Center

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30. However, hurricanes can occur outside of these dates; storms have been recorded every month of the year. Most tropical storms and hurricanes form between August and October as the warm waters of the Atlantic begin to heat up. This is because hurricanes are fueled by the heat of the ocean and need at least 79°F of water temperature to form. Hurricanes can even form in the spring months, although they are less common during this period. It’s important to remember that hurricanes can happen any time of year. Although there are typically more storms during the peak season, you should always be prepared for any unexpected storms. Understanding when hurricanes happen is an important part of being prepared for the hurricane season.

Where Can We Expect Hurricanes to Make Landfall?

hurricane makes landfallHurricanes in Florida usually make landfall along the eastern coast of the state. One of the most notorious storms to hit the area was Hurricane Andrew in 1992. It is important to note that hurricanes are not limited to the eastern coast of Florida. Hurricanes can strike anywhere along the coast, including the Keys, as well as inland areas like Orlando. Hurricanes can also travel further north along the Atlantic Coast, as far as Georgia and South Carolina. No matter where you live in Florida, it is important to be aware of potential storm paths and pay attention to hurricane forecasts. By keeping up with news and updates from local government officials, you can stay informed and take steps to protect yourself and your family in the event of a hurricane.

Why Do Hurricanes Form?

Hurricanes are large, destructive tropical systems that can cause serious damage and loss of life. But why do these powerful storms form? The answer lies in a few key factors: warm ocean water, atmospheric moisture, light winds, and an unstable air mass. When warm water evaporates from the surface of the ocean, it rises into the atmosphere as moist air. This air then cools as it rises and condenses, forming clouds. As more and more of this moist air rises, it creates an area of low pressure. The surrounding areas of high pressure are then drawn in to fill the gap, creating wind. As the air moves inward toward the center of the storm, the pressure decreases further. This creates an even stronger wind. The winds spiral around the center of the storm, creating an organized rotation called a cyclone. As the storm continues to move over warm ocean waters, it can draw more energy from the water and continues to grow in strength. When conditions are just right, this process can create a hurricane. It is important to understand why hurricanes form so we can be better prepared for them when they do occur. Knowing what to expect can help people stay safe and protect their homes from potential damage.

Understanding the who, what, when, where, and why of hurricanes is key to knowing how to safely navigate this season as a Florida resident. Whether you’ve just moved to this state or have lived here your entire life, our team at Elite is always here to help you confidently weather the storm with solutions that will keep you powered up and informed. Call our team today for more information!

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