before hurricane season starts:
CREATING YOUR GAME PLAN
Hurricane season can be unpredictable, but preparing ahead ensures you’re ready to protect your family, home, and peace of mind. By planning now, you can avoid the chaos of last-minute decisions and have everything you need in place long before the storm clouds gather. Whether it’s developing an emergency plan, gathering the right supplies, or strengthening your home, the steps you take today can make all the difference when the winds start to pick up.
The Importance of Having a Plan
You wouldn’t go on a road trip without a map, right? The same goes for hurricane season. Having a plan in place is your guide through the uncertainty, giving you a clear idea of what to do when a storm is on the horizon.
Start by creating a family emergency plan. Think about how you’ll communicate if cell service is down or if family members aren’t together when the storm hits. Make sure everyone knows who to call, with one out-of-town relative or friend serving as the central contact person. Plan your evacuation routes—don’t just rely on one path. Have a backup route in case roads are closed, and decide where you’ll go if an evacuation is ordered. This could be a relative’s house, a pet-friendly shelter, or a hotel outside the affected area.
It’s also important to consider the unique needs of your household. If you have elderly family members, people with medical conditions, or pets, make sure you’ve thought through how you’ll care for them during a storm. For example, if someone requires refrigerated medications, plan for backup power options.
And, of course, practice your plan! Run through it with your family so everyone knows their role. The more familiar you are with the plan, the easier it will be to act quickly and confidently when a hurricane approaches.
Gathering Emergency Supplies
Your home is your biggest asset, and a little preparation now can help protect it from the worst of the storm. Start by taking a good look around your property. Are there trees or branches that could fall on your house in high winds? Trim them back to reduce the risk of damage. Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and other loose items that could become dangerous projectiles during a storm.
When it comes to your home’s structure, consider installing hurricane shutters or boarding up windows to keep flying debris from causing serious damage. If you don’t have storm shutters, plywood works well in a pinch, and it’s easy to store. Check your roof, doors, and windows for any potential weak spots—sealing up cracks and reinforcing doors can go a long way in keeping your home intact during severe weather.
Make sure your gutters and drains are clear so water can flow freely away from your home. Flooding can occur even if you’re not in a flood-prone area, so it’s important to make sure rainwater has somewhere to go.
Lastly, take a moment to review your homeowners’ insurance. Do you have flood coverage? Many people don’t realize that standard policies don’t cover flooding, which can be a costly mistake. Make sure your policy is up to date, and consider adding flood insurance if you live in an area at risk.
Florida’s Hurricane Supplies Tax-Free Holidays
One of the best times to stock up on your hurricane supplies is during Florida’s annual tax-free holiday for hurricane preparedness. Every year, typically in late May to early June, Florida residents get a chance to buy essential items without paying sales tax. This holiday is a great opportunity to save money while gathering the items you need to keep your family safe.
During the tax-free period, you can purchase items like flashlights, batteries, and portable generators tax-free, which can add up to significant savings. Other items that qualify include tarps, coolers, reusable ice packs, and first aid kits. Even items like fuel containers and weather radios are included, so it’s the perfect time to stock up on everything you’ll need before the season kicks into high gear.
By planning ahead and taking advantage of the tax-free holiday, you can be fully stocked and ready without the last-minute rush or inflated prices that often come right before a storm hits.
CONCLUSION
Hurricane season may be unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. By having a solid plan in place, gathering supplies early, and preparing your home, you’re ensuring that you and your family will be ready for whatever the season brings. Start now, before the first storm is on the radar, and take comfort in knowing you’re well-prepared.
