Florida’s residents don’t need to stress about blizzards like people who live farther north. However, the warmer climate comes with its own cause for concern: Hurricanes.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season – which takes place from June 1 to November 30 – has an 85 percent chance of higher-than-average activity this year, thanks to La Nina conditions in the Pacific and high ocean temperatures in the Atlantic, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

If you own property in South Florida, it’s wise to prepare for potential hurricanes if you haven’t already. Here are some must-know recommendations for protecting your home from hurricane damage, according to FloridaDisaster.org, NOAA, and the American Red Cross. Please note that this isn’t an exhaustive list.   

 1. Secure all items that high winds could pick up and turn into projectiles.

This includes trash cans, lawn furniture, and any other objects that could get caught up in intense winds. Bring these items inside if possible and anchor them if it’s not safe to store them indoors (e.g., a gas grill).

2. Trim your trees.

Remove any branches and get rid of trees that could fall and cause structural damage during a storm.

3. Shield your windows and exterior doors.

Utilize storm shutters or plywood to safeguard your windows and doors against high winds and debris.

4. Minimize the effects of flooding.

This includes cleaning out downspouts, drains and gutters, as well as stockpiling sandbags and other protective items. You can also obtain a sump pump with battery backup as a proactive measure.

5. Review your insurance coverage.

Call your insurance company to review your home or renters insurance and ensure it covers repairs and replacements. You’ll need separate flood insurance; ask your insurance company or agent or contact the National Flood Insurance Program to make sure you have a policy in place well in advance of any hurricanes since there’s a 30-day waiting period.    

6. Secure your roof.

In addition to assessing the condition of coverings like shingles, you should ensure your secondary water barrier, roof decking, wall-to-foundation and roof-to-wall connections, and gables are in fighting shape.

7. Consider purchasing a generator.

In case of power outages, you might want to obtain a whole home generator so that you’ll still have electricity.

Despite the potential impact of hurricanes, South Florida is still home to some of the hottest housing markets in the U.S. because of factors like steady economic growth, low median home sale prices, plenty of entertainment options, and tropical scenery.

If you want to explore Florida real estate, the Avalon Suncoast team can help you look for your dream house, condo, land or commercial property. Start now by calling 941-235-7474 or emailing sales@avalonsuncoast.com.

The post 7 Vital Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Florida Homeowners    appeared first on Southwest FL Real Estate.

By Debra Mann, REALTOR, Suncoasteam Realty

Contact Debra: 941-626-0744, debra@suncoasteam.com

Hurricane season is here again (the season runs from June 1- November 30). With the peak of the season being mid August to late October, it is a good idea to think about getting prepared early, even though our seasons have been relatively quiet in Florida since 2004 & 2005 (and prior to Hurricane Charley, our area of Florida has not seen impact since Donna in 1960!)

The thought of a hurricane or any other natural disaster tends to instantly strike fear into a person’s heart, but unlike tornadoes, earthquakes, & sometimes floods or wild fires, one will get plenty of warning from the National Hurricane Center, that the storm is out there.

It is a good idea to have a file with copies of all of your important information (insurance information, health records, pet records, etc). Stock up on batteries for the house, extra water, paper products and canned food items… anything that needs to be purchased, try to buy before a storm is coming, so you don’t have to fight the crowds at the store. Know your evacuation routes and think about where you will go. There are lots of websites with good information on being prepared.

Here are a few:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php

https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/hurricane

Don’t panic if you see that where you live is in the “cone”. The predictions change daily. Just watch the weather forecasts, tune into the National Hurricane Center online & stay informed. Chances are, even if you are in the “cone” for awhile, you will not suffer a direct hit, and even if you do, it makes all the difference in the world if you are prepared for the storm. I know… I stood in the eye of Hurricane Charley, and am here to tell about it! I still live in Southwest Florida, & I love it here!!!

If you are interested in finding out about living in this wonderful paradise we call home, please click on Real Estate for Sale in Rotonda/Englewood …or if you have any questions or want more information about real estate in the Rotonda & Englewood area, contact Your Suncoasteam @ 941-626-0744 or debra@suncoasteam.com.

The post HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE – BE PREPARED! appeared first on Southwest FL Real Estate.

By Debra Mann, REALTOR, Suncoasteam Realty

Contact Debra: 941-626-0744, debra@suncoasteam.com

Hurricane season is here again (the season runs from June 1- November 30). With the peak of the season being mid August to late October, it is a good idea to think about getting prepared early, even though our seasons have been relatively quiet in Florida since 2004 & 2005 (and prior to Hurricane Charley, our area of Florida has not seen impact since Donna in 1960!)

The thought of a hurricane or any other natural disaster tends to instantly strike fear into a person’s heart, but unlike tornadoes, earthquakes, & sometimes floods or wild fires, one will get plenty of warning from the National Hurricane Center, that the storm is out there.

It is a good idea to have a file with copies of all of your important information (insurance information, health records, pet records, etc). Stock up on batteries for the house, extra water, paper products and canned food items… anything that needs to be purchased, try to buy before a storm is coming, so you don’t have to fight the crowds at the store. Know your evacuation routes and think about where you will go. There are lots of websites with good information on being prepared.

Here are a few:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php

https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/hurricane

Don’t panic if you see that where you live is in the “cone”. The predictions change daily. Just watch the weather forecasts, tune into the National Hurricane Center online & stay informed. Chances are, even if you are in the “cone” for awhile, you will not suffer a direct hit, and even if you do, it makes all the difference in the world if you are prepared for the storm. I know… I stood in the eye of Hurricane Charley, and am here to tell about it!  I still live in Southwest Florida & love it here!!!

If you are interested in finding out about living in this wonderful paradise we call home, please click on Real Estate for sale in Punta Gorda. …or if you have any questions or want more information about real estate in Punta Gorda, Florida contact Your Suncoasteam @ 941-626-0744 or debra@suncoasteam.com.

The post HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE – BE PREPARED! appeared first on Southwest FL Real Estate.