The Florida hurricane season begins on June 1 and lasts until November 30, but Mother Nature doesn’t always follow a schedule—a storm has occurred out-of-season for the past six consecutive seasons. And with storms increasing in frequency and intensity each year, it’s incredibly important to be prepared.
Check out these top tips for hurricane preparedness.
Pre-Season Maintenance
Home and yard maintenance will help protect your property in the event of a hurricane. Here are some useful tips:
- Trim your tree branches. Falling branches can cause significant damage to your home or property. Trim any branches that are hanging over your home, especially if they are rubbing against your roof.
- Clean your gutters. Leaves, twigs, bird nests, and other debris can clog your gutters, preventing them from properly diverting rainwater away from your home. Clean them annually to prevent water damage in your home.
- Have your roof repaired. The best time to repair your roof is as soon as the damage has occurred; the second-best time is before hurricane season starts! Your roof protects your home from the elements, so make sure it’s in great shape before a storm comes.
- Stock your emergency kit. When was the last time you looked at your emergency kit? Take time to go through it so it’s ready before you need it!
Preparing For a Storm
The Department of Atmospheric Science at CSU is predicting that we’ll see at least 17 named storms this season, with approximately four of them being major hurricanes. Keep an eye on the weather report and follow these tips to prepare:
- Charge all electronics. Keep your phone, tablet, laptop, and other electronics charged—and don’t forget about your spare battery packs, too.
- Secure any potential projectiles. Lawn ornaments, patio furniture, and other loose items can cause significant damage during high winds. Pack them away in the shed or garage.
- Cover your windows. Close and secure your hurricane shutters, or cover windows with plywood in a pinch. Tape any exposed windows with painter’s tape to prevent shattering if they break.
- Determine your evacuation plan. And don’t forget to fill up on gas!
No. 1 Home Roofing is proud to be a family-owned and operated roofing company in Tampa Bay, FL. If your home has been damaged by a hurricane or storm, we’re here to help. Email sales@no1homeroofing.com or call (727) 477-9995 to book a free estimate and remember—stay safe this season!