Prepared for Florida’s Hurricane Season? Warnings for Homeowners

When is Hurricane Season?

Florida’s Hurricane Season starts June 1, and ends November 30th.  Some scientists are predicting an above-average year with 15 named storms and eight hurricanes 

Did you know you can receive vital updates when a hurricane is threatening the City of Tampa?. 

When you subscribe for emergency notifications, you’ll also have the option of receiving informational alerts.

Alerts include Emergency Notifications on:

• Mandatory Evacuations due to Hurricane, Gas Leak, Hostage Situation or Critical Threat  
• Hurricane Re-Entry Orders
• Boil Water Orders
• Search for Missing Persons  
•  Once a major storm hits, it’s too late to protect your home and property. But there are things you can do now to reduce damage from high winds and water.

  

A Checklist for Homeowners

Do you have enough flood insurance?

Even if you have taken steps to protect your home from flooding, you still need flood insurance if you live in a floodplain. Home owners’ policies do not cover flood damage, so you will probably need to purchase a separate policy under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It takes 30 days for a flood policy to take effect. This is why you need to purchase flood insurance before flooding occurs.  If your insurance agent is unable to write a flood policy, call 1- 800-638-6620 for information.

Avoiding Hurricane Damage:

PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM HIGH WINDS

Is the roof sheathing properly installed?

During a hurricane, wind forces are carried from the roof down to the exterior walls, down to the foundation. Homes can be damaged when wind forces are not properly transferred to the ground. Roof sheathing (the boards or plywood nailed to the roof rafters or trusses) can fail during a hurricane if not properly installed. Examine the sheathing from the attic. If many of the nails have missed the rafters, you may need to renail the sheathing. If you’re putting on a new roof, make sure the sheathing complies with current recommended practices.

Are windows protected by storm shutters?

Installing storm shutters is one of the best ways to protect your home. Purchase or make storm shutters for all exposed windows, glass surfaces, French doors, sliding glass doors and skylights. There are many types of manufactured shutters made out of wood, steel or aluminum. You can also make storm shutters with 5/8-inch thick exterior grade plywood.

Disaster Prevention should include:

• Developing a Family Plan
• Creating a Disaster Supply Kit
• Having a Place to Go
• Securing your Home
• Having a Pet Plan