Florida — Hurricane season officially starts June 1 and ends November 30. During this time, the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida can be threatened by hurricane winds with very limited notice, but there are critical steps people can take to prepare for severe tropical storm conditions and hurricane emergencies, to help ensure the safety of homes and families. South Florida’s very own home improvement contractor, Gulf Atlantic Industries, offers the following advice to prepare for hurricane conditions.
The best defense in the event of a hurricane is a good offense. Evacuation plans should be set in motion once a Hurricane Watch is issued because there is only a window of 24-36 hours before the storm hits. Start preparing a hurricane evacuation plan with a safe destination either inland or completely out of the anticipated hurricane strike zone and map out an evacuation route with awareness of flood zones. Be sure to check your car and fill the tank with gas. You should also begin securing your residence. If you have hurricane accordion shutters, roll down shutters or removable storm panel system, they should be securely locked in the closed position. If you do not have approved hurricane protection devices, securely nail in place three-quarter inch plywood over all accessible window and door openings. On the roof, all turbine ventilators should be removed and securely capped. All solar hot water panels should be securely shrink-wrapped.
If a Hurricane Warning is issued, you have 24 hours or less to prepare. Gather all the personal essentials including clothing, medications, cash/credit cards/checks, extra food, water, important documents, phone numbers, insurance papers and first aid kits and pack your car. Also have an evacuation alternative in mind, such as a local Red Cross Shelter. Be aware that pets are not allowed in shelters and that they are not likely to accommodate specific medical needs or provide food. In regards to protecting a residential home or condominium, all outside furniture and loose objects by the pool, on the deck or balcony and in the yard should be taken inside. All fragile objects and valuable possessions should be moved away from the windows and sliding doors. South Floridians with screen pool enclosures and/or screen patios and balconies should cut the screens at the bottom of each section to relieve pressure off the building structure in the event of winds measured at 90 miles per hour and over.
In the event that an evacuation is issued, get out fast and take these last protective measures for your residential home or condominium to avoid massive hurricane damage and remodeling. Double check that all faucets, stove and oven fixtures are in the closed position. Folded towels should be placed at the bottom of doors, windows and in the interior tracks of sliding doors to minimize or eliminate water intrusion. Prior to leaving your residence, unplug electronic devices to avoid possible power surges that may damage home electronics and appliances or cause fire.
Gulf Atlantic Industries of America, INC., are state licensed and insured general contractors serving South Florida for 23 years, specializing in residential remodeling, home improvement, & light commercial contracting. Our services include: Residential/Commercial Roofing, Hurricane Protection for residential/hi-rise buildings, Hurricane Shutters, Accordion Shutters, Rollup-Shutters, Storm Panels, Impact Resistant Windows and Sliding Doors, Replacement Windows, Screen Pool Enclosures, Screen Patio Enclosures, Carports, Driveways, Central A/C and Disaster Relief. Let us help you. For more information on costs and a no obligation, free estimate, please call toll-free: (800) 679-0369 or (305) 937-0500. Visit our website at: www.remodelsouthflorida.com