Are you ready? Florida's hurricane season runs from June 1 - November 30. The forecast right now is for a possible 13 named storms and 9 hurricanes (including 3 major hurricanes) in 2023.
Of course, the forecast will likely change as the season progresses. What won't change is your need to prepare, which includes making sure you and your loved ones will be safe and your home protected, should the worst occur. It's also important to note natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, can and do occur outside the expected timetable – especially as climate change continues to wreak havoc on weather expectations throughout the U.S. in recent years.
What We Mean by Hurricane Mitigation
Hurricane mitigation consists of the actions and measures taken before a hurricane strikes. It includes all you might do to minimize or prevent damage from the high winds, storm surges, and heavy rain or flooding associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. As a homeowner, you know your home is one of your largest investments. Therefore, protecting it from natural disasters should be a top priority.
Hurricane-Proof Your Home Now, Before the Stormy Season Arrives
Here are a few steps you can take to protect your home from damage before this year’s hurricane season is in full effect:
Home Inspection: Is your home ready for a natural disaster? Consider having your home inspected each year before hurricane season begins to ensure your personal safety, along with the ability to secure your home and belongings. To find a reliable and trustworthy home inspector, ask family, friends, or colleagues who have recently bought or sold a home if there is someone they’d recommend.
Shutters, Impact-Resistant Windows: Installing hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows and sliding glass doors can help protect your home from flying debris during a storm. It's important to do everything possible to prevent wind and water intrusion, which may not only damage the inside of your home but can actually lift the roof from below.
Reinforce Your Roof: If your home has an older roof, you should consider taking proper measures to strengthen it, making sure it can withstand heavy winds and rain. Hurricane straps or clips secure the beams of the roof to the walls of the building to help prevent the roof from being lifted off by strong winds. Older homes – those built before 2002 – were not required to use these types of metal fasteners. In addition, certain types of shingles can further reduce the risk of damage. To determine whether your roof is strong enough to withstand hurricane-force winds, contact a wind mitigation inspector or your roofer.
Strengthen Your Garage Door: Garage doors are especially vulnerable to high winds and sudden changes in atmospheric pressure. Hurricane-proof and wind-resistant garage doors can be found at home improvement stores or specialty garage door retailers. Swapping out a vulnerable garage door with one designed to withstand hurricane-force winds can ensure your garage door remains secure when you need it most.
Clear the Yard: Hurricane winds can be extremely dangerous. They are strong enough to pick up objects such as lawn chairs, garbage cans, wood, metal, large rocks, coconuts, bicycles, barbeque grills, etc. Storm winds can send these objects flying into your car and home. Before a hurricane strikes, remove these types of objects and bring them inside.
Implementing the above hurricane mitigation measures can help protect your home from damage caused by severe weather events, including hurricanes and tropical storms. This can save you from costly repairs as well as reduce your risk of injury during and after a hurricane. You may even be eligible for mitigation discounts by implementing some of these measures and advising your insurance agent.
Keeping your family and home safe and protected is Florida Peninsula Insurance Company’s top priority. We are one of Florida's largest homeowners insurance companies offering multi-peril policies covering homes, condos, and renters insurance. For more information or to get a quote, please call (877) 229-2244.
