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5 Things New Florida Residents Should Know About the Hurricane Season

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Armstrong Water Mold Cleanup & Restorations
5 Things New Florida Residents Should Know About the Hurricane Season

Whether you just recently moved in or are still planning to relocate to enjoy the Sunshine State lifestyle, knowing the climatic condition of your new location is important. If you have an eye on the Fort Myers city of Florida, use these tips to know more and make your transition easy, smoother, and more enjoyable.

 

Planning is Essential

Each household is different; some people stay in their homes while others evacuate until the storm has passed. Deciding to plan early makes everything organized, systematic and easy.
 
If You Plan to Stay at Home
Before a Hurricane
  • Create a hurricane disaster plan
  • Cover up and secure entrance and exit openings (windows/doors)   
  • Prepare emergency/supplies kit for home and car
  • Prepare food and water (for at least 3 days)
  • Know evacuation centers/routes
  • Have a handy radio with batteries for NOAA hurricane updates
  • Prepare cash; usually, after hurricanes, ATMs are closed
  • Fill up your car with gasoline
 
During a Hurricane
  • Stay indoors
  • Stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors 
  • Go to a safe and secured area such as a closet, downstairs bathroom or interior room
  • Listen to the radio for NOAA weather updates 
  • If the authorities require evacuation, do so immediately
 
After a Hurricane
  • Stay inside the house until it is safe to come out
  • Call your family members or relatives for safety updates
  • Inspect your property for damages while wearing protective gear
 
If You Plan to Evacuate
  • If you plan to evacuate, evacuate early
  • Make sure to secure and protect your home
  • Turn off all utilities and lock up the house
  • Follow the local community disaster preparedness system
 

Ahead-of-Season Preparation 

Most Floridians have the ‘preparation in advance attitude’ and are becoming a clique for many. Typically, they set everything ready before the hurricane season starts, which is in June and ends in November.

 
May                              Category 1                  Least Active
June - July                   Category 2/3               Active
August - October        Category 3/4/5           Most Active
November                   Category 3/4/5            Active
December                    Category 1                  Least Active
 
 

Stock Supplies

Items in a hurricane preparedness stock list should be purchased ahead of the season. It is advisable to buy these items separately weekly to avoid hoarding. Purchase just enough to get you and your family through three to five days at most. 
 
Food     
  • Non-perishable foods/ready-to-eat packages
  • High-energy/protein bars/canned meats/fruits
 
Water
  • 1 gallon per person/day
 
Clothing
  • Sealed set of change of clothing per person
  • Rubber shoes
  • Jacket per person
  • Blanket/sleeping bag per person
 
Health Needs
  • Complete first aid kit
  • Prescription medications
 
Miscellaneous Essentials
  • Cash
  • Sealed important documents: birth certificates /insurance papers/land titles, etc.
  • Map of your locality with evacuation routes
  • Radio with extra batteries ready
  • Flashlights
  • Matches (waterproof)
  • Whistle
  • Portable multi-purpose tools
  • Portable chargers
  • Feminine supplies
  • Towelettes
  • Pests repellant
  • Extra tissue paper
 
Baby Supplies 
  • Complete baby food/ infant formula
  • Baby clothing
  • Diapers/wipes
 
Kids' Supplies
  • Wipes and diapers
  • Favorite toys/activity items
  • Comfort things/items
  • Well-liked snacks
 
Pet Supplies
  • Collars
  • Leashes
  • Canned food
  • Pet bowls
                              
COVID-19 Protection              
  • Multiple masks  
  • Hand sanitizers
  • Liquid soap/bar
  • Disinfectant wipes

 

Respect Nature

Commonly, most new residents just brush off a Category 1 hurricane. Though only the first category, it can carry winds of up to 95 mph which can damage houses and even snap powerlines. Regardless of what category might pass your area, never underestimate a hurricane.    
 
Category         Wind Speed (Mph)                                                             Aftermath
      1                       74-95                                      falling debris strikes people/break
                                                                              power lines/damage mobile
                                                                              homes
      2                       96-110                                    roof and siding damages/trees
                                                                              uprooted
      3                       111-129                                  older mobile homes
                                                                              destroyed/damage to well-built
                                                                              frame homes
      4                       130-156                                  new mobile homes destroyed/
                                                                              blows out most windows on high-
                                                                              rise buildings/collapses frame
                                                                              homes/damage upper roofs of
                                                                              apartment buildings                                                                                                                 
      5                        157–higher                            severe damage to commercial
                                                                              building’s wood roofs blown out 
                                                                              high-rise windows/destroys
                                                                              mobile homes
  

Know What’s Next

Surviving a hurricane is a story to tell, but knowing what to do next is a different chapter. Always stay informed in advance and act early. Inspect, review or double-check your home and property thoroughly for damages, both inside and outside.
 
Minor/Major Damages 
Exterior of Home
  • Rooftops/Gutters
  • Attics
  • Walls/Ceilings
  • Glass Windows/Sidings
  • Chimney
  • Backyard Area/Garden/Patio
  • Front/Back of the House
 
Interior of Home
  • Appliances/Household Equipment
  • Electrical/Generator System
  • Water/Piping System
  • HVAC System
  • Gas System 
 

 Additional Tips

  • Review your insurance documents to keep informed or updated on claims.
  • Document everything through taking pictures or videos for insurance claim purposes. 
  • Collect all receipts for home repairs, including materials and labor.    
  • Make an detailed inventory of damaged personal property. 
 

Fort Myers’ Disaster Restoration Provider

Since 1983Armstrong Water Mold Cleanup & Restorations has been protecting and safeguarding residential and commercial establishments in Fort Myers and the surrounding areas in Southwest Florida.
 
Armstrong Water Mold Cleanup & Restorations is a family-owned and operated water damage, mold remediation and restoration company. We have more than 30 years of experience in mold, fire, and water damage restoration in Fort MyersMarco IslandNaplesBonita SpringsEsteroCape CoralPunta Gorda, and Port Charlotte.  
 
Our team of professionals are highly trained, certified and are ready 24/7 for fire, mold and water damage repair services in Fort Myers, FloridaddWe specialize in:
 
Why Choose Armstrong
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed/Risk-Free
  • Bonded and Insured
  • Insurance Preferred Vendor
  • Complete Restorations (Water Damage/Fire Damage/Mold Remediation)  
  • Licensed and Certified General Contractor
  • State of Florida Residential Contractor’s License #L1607070001182
Know more by contacting us at (239) 592-3777 or by visiting our website at 
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