How to Storm Prep as Devastating Hurricane Ian Hits Florida

The weather is often hard to predict, especially during the hurricane season in Florida. Nobody wants to think about what might happen to their home in a storm, but it is best to be prepared for the worst. How do you prepare for something you can’t predict, though? There are a few ways homeowners can storm prep their homes, and themselves, to stay safe during any storm while also minimizing damages. Here we will introduce some ways in which you can prepare your home before the storm hits.

Why Prepare For Storms?

If you have never lived through a natural disaster, then you might be wondering, why do I need to prepare for storms? The answer is simple. By preparing both yourself and your home for dangerous weather, you are saving yourself from worry, harm, and storm damage.

When a natural disaster occurs, our flight or fight tends to kick in. In our efforts to evacuate and get to safety, we might forget some important things. Having a plan in advance will help you know what to do in an emergency without the panic.

An emergency plan of action might save your home, or even your life. Keeping up with regular inspections and repairs can help your home stay safe from water and wind damage. And with less worry about your home or where you are going, you will be able to evacuate the area quickly.

How to Prepare For Storms

You do not need to be able to predict bad weather to be prepared. Having a list of actions before a storm hits can be helpful for you to remember what to do when the emergency happens. Here is a hurricane preparation list to get you started:

1. Know your risk. Check the National Hurricane Center's website to see if you live in an area that is at risk for hurricanes.

2. Create an emergency evacuation plan. This should include an emergency evacuation route and a safe place to stay if you need to leave your home. If you are not able to leave, make sure you know where you can take shelter. If you know you will need help evacuating, make sure to have someone designated to help you. Write down any important phone numbers in case you are not able to get to your own phone.

3. Get a kit together. This should include things like non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, batteries, and first aid supplies. It is best to stock up on these supplies in advance as they tend to go quickly from stores once a storm starts. Make sure you have a supply of food and water in case you lose power and are unable to leave your home.

4. You will want to start storm preparations for your home. This includes bringing in any loose items from outside, such as lawn furniture or toys. You should also secure any doors and windows with hurricane shutters or plywood.

5. Stay informed. Keep an eye on the news and weather reports so you know when a hurricane is headed your way. Keep track of any emergency evacuation orders to know if you need to leave. Just because a storm is over, does not necessarily mean it is safe to leave your house yet. Flooding can be just as dangerous to those that try to leave their home right after a storm.

6. Stay safe. During a hurricane, stay indoors and away from windows. If you are in a high-rise building, go to the lowest level. And if you are in a mobile home, get out and find a sturdy structure to take shelter in.

By following these tips, you can help ensure you and your family are safe if a hurricane strikes. Remember, safety is the number one priority during dangerous weather.

Wind Resistant Shingles

If you live in an area, such as Florida, that has a known dangerous hurricane season, then you might want to consider installing wind resistant shingles. As the name suggests, wind resistant shingles are shingles that are designed to resist high winds. While they may not stand up to dangerously severe weather if you live in the path of the storm, wind resistant shingles can prolong the life of your roof.

There are a variety of wind resistant shingles on the market, each with its own set of features and benefits. Wind resistant shingles are typically made of heavier shingle materials than traditional shingle materials, such as reinforced asphalt or metal. They may also have additional features that help them hold up in high winds, such as special adhesive strips or interlocking tabs.

While wind resistant shingles may cost more upfront, they can save you money in the long run by preventing damage to your roof and the need for a roof repair. They can also provide peace of mind in knowing that your home is better protected against severe weather. If you are interested in wind resistant shingles, call Gale Force Roofing & Restoration at (813)-805-8096 to schedule your 100% free inspection.

What Is Next?

The aftermath of a storm can be overwhelming, and is often devastating. By taking it one step at a time, and help from the community, the clean up will not seem as daunting.

After a storm, the government may provide some financial assistance to help you cover the cost of repairs and other necessary expenses. To be eligible for this assistance, you will need to fill out a disaster assistance application. This application is available online or through your local FEMA office. In addition to financial assistance, the government may also provide other resources to help you recover from a storm. For example, you may be able to get help from the Small Business Administration to repair or replace damaged business property. You may also be able to get disaster unemployment assistance if you are unable to work because of the storm. The best way to find out what kind of government storm relief assistance is available to you is to contact your local FEMA office or visit their website.

Hurricane Ian

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30. The peak of the season is typically from mid-August to late October. On Tuesday, September 27th, Hurricane Ian hit Cuba as a category 3 storm. It hit Florida on Wednesday, October 28th as a category 4 hurricane, reportedly only 2 mph less than a category 5 hurricane. It is now affecting Cuba, Florida, North and South Carolina, and Georgia. According to World Vision, there will be impacts felt by Hurricane Ian long after it is gone.

Resources

Hurricane Ian is one of the strongest storms seen in the US. It will have devastating impacts on the residents of the U.S. that live in Florida. Thankfully, there are a lot of resources for disaster relief to help rebuild these communities.

Tulane Medical Center gives some tips for returning home after the storm. The biggest tip they make note of is to stay safe. Safety is the number one priority when it comes to cleaning up after a storm. Remember to check local news for any health advisories.

There are also many different organizations to turn to when it comes to disaster relief. Organizations such as Red Cross, FEMA, and Global Giving are now collecting donations to go towards storm relief and helping the community get back on their feet after Hurricane Ian.

Stay Safe

While the effects of severe weather are overwhelming and catastrophic, there are many ways to rebuild. By storm prepping for big storms like Hurricane Ian, lives can be saved. Make sure to pay attention to local and government news to watch for emergency evacuations, as well as make a hurricane preparation list to avoid the panic the storm brings.

Look for those resources to help rebuild communities, and if you are not in an area of impact, consider donating to the cause. By coming together, the rebuild will seem less overwhelming. Above everything else, remember that the lives of you, family, and friends are more important than anything else. Stay safe by following these tips.