Preparing for Hurricanes on the Emerald Coast

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on preparing for a hurricane on the Emerald Coast. Hurricanes can be unpredictable and devastating, but with the right preparation, you can significantly mitigate the risks to your home and family. In this article, we'll walk you through a detailed step-by-step process to ensure you're as prepared as possible when a storm hits.

Before the Storm

1. Test Your Emergency Equipment

Before a hurricane is even on the radar, make sure all your emergency equipment is functional. This includes checking generators, storm shutters, and other protective gear. It's not just about having these items; it's crucial to ensure they work when you need them most.

2. Secure Outdoor Items

Hurricanes bring intense winds that can turn everyday objects into dangerous projectiles. Secure or store items such as:

• Lawn furniture
• Potted plants
• Any loose items that could be swept up by the wind

This helps prevent property damage and keeps both you and your neighbors safer.

3. Protect Your Home's Interior

Take proactive steps to safeguard the inside of your home:

• Remove valuable art and nostalgic pictures from walls, wrap them in plastic, and store them in a safe, interior location or take them with you.
• Elevate items from the floor to avoid water damage. This includes computer towers and other electronics that are typically placed on the ground.
• Cover large electronic items like TVs and computer monitors with plastic to protect them from potential water ingress.

4. Vehicle Safety

Ensure your vehicles are also protected from the storm:

• Move cars to higher ground or into a garage, backing them up to the garage doors to help prevent them from flying off.
• Avoid parking under trees, in low-lying areas, or near power lines to minimize damage risks.

5. Power Up

Prepare for potential power outages by:

• Filling your car with gas.
• Charging phones and portable chargers.
• Testing your generator and ensuring you have enough fuel.
• Remember, it might take days for power to be restored, so plan accordingly.

6. Unplug and Move Electronics

• Unplug appliances and move them away from windows and doors to prevent electrical hazards in case of water ingress.

7. Secure Important Documents

Organize and protect essential documents:

• Legal paperwork, birth certificates, social security cards, marriage licenses, and insurance policies.
• Store valuables like jewelry in a bolted, waterproof safe or take them with you.

8. Prepare an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit is essential. Here are some items to include:

• Flashlights with extra batteries.
• Candles and a portable radio (with batteries).
• Non-perishable food and at least one gallon of water per person for three days.
• Cash, as electronic transactions may not be possible. * Blankets, extra clothing, and toiletries to stay dry and maintain hygiene.
• A first aid kit, especially if you or a family member requires medication.
• A whistle for signaling in case you need to be located.
• Dust masks to protect against debris and potential mold exposure.
• Duct tape, plastic sheeting, or tarps for temporary repairs.
• Tools like wrenches or pliers to turn off utilities if necessary.
• A manual can opener for food cans.
• Local maps for navigating out of the area if needed.
• Pet supplies including food, leashes, and medication.

9. Identify a Shelter in Place

Prepare a safe area within your home:

• Choose an interior room without windows, ideally on the first floor.
• If flooding occurs and you have a multi-story home, move to a higher floor but avoid trapping yourself in an attic.

During the Storm

Stay Safe and Informed

• Stay Indoors: Protect yourself from high winds and potential flooding by staying inside.
• Avoid Water: Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down.
• Stay Alert: Keep your phone charged for emergency communications and listen to a battery-powered radio for updates.
• Keep Occupied: Engage in activities like reading or board games to distract from the storm.
• Evacuate if Necessary: Follow local advisories. If evacuation is mandated, do so immediately to ensure your safety.

After the Storm

Recovery and Rebuilding

1. Follow Local Guidance: Listen to local officials for updates and instructions on returning to your property.
2. Assess and Document Damage: Take photos of any damage before starting clean-up for insurance claims.
3. Wear Protective Gear: Use gloves, goggles, and masks during clean-up to avoid injuries from debris or hazardous materials.
4. Avoid Electrical Hazards: Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
5. Be Cautious in Floodwaters: Avoid wading through floodwaters, which may contain dangerous debris or be electrically charged from downed power lines.
6. Communicate Efficiently: With possible disruptions to cell phone towers, use text messages, social media, or email to communicate with family and friends to conserve battery life and bandwidth.
7. Contact Your Insurance: Promptly report property damage to your insurance company to begin the claims process.
8. Support Each Other: Check on neighbors and offer support. Community solidarity is crucial in the aftermath of a disaster.

Conclusion

Preparing for a hurricane involves meticulous planning and readiness to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. By following these guidelines, you can protect your family, minimize damage to your property, and ensure a quicker return to normalcy after the storm. Remember, the key to effective hurricane preparedness is early and thorough preparation.

If you have any questions or additional tips based on your experiences, please share them in the comments below. Your insights could help others in our community prepare better for future storms.

For those considering moving to the Emerald Coast and needing assistance, feel free to call/text us at 850-204-4416 or email us at Admin@WhittemoreGroupRE.com. At the Whittemore Group with LPT Realty, we're here to support you every step of the way.