How To Prepare for Hurricane Season in Tallahassee, Florida
What is the “The Box” That Insurance Companies Use When Writing Policies During Tropical Storms?
Hurricane season has begun. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, says conditions are primed for a busy hurricane season in our area. It’s time to address how you will prepare for hurricane season in Tallahassee, Florida. The extreme warm temperatures of the Gulf and warmer oceans have set the stage for many more storms than usual. In Tallahassee, FL we have been very lucky not to have had a direct hit of a hurricane in several years. However, we are close enough to the coastal areas to experience flooding, wind and rain damage.
In real estate, we always warn our home buyers to make sure that they have secured their insurance within days of purchasing a new home, that way, should their closing occur during a hurricane warning or threat, when a hurricane is qualified as a threat within “the box,” you will still be able to close on your new home and have immediate protection of the largest investment you may be making in your lifetime, your home!
“The Insurance Hurricane Box”
Tropical Storm Andrea was a close call passing just East and through the Tallahassee, Florida area in 2013. We had a lot of rain all day, but fared well with some well planned storm water management ponds and facilities set to handle a slow steady rain. The next storm could affect us much differently. The tornado threat is our biggest concern with tropical storms and hurricane winds. Every family should have an emergency plan, and now is a good time to go over this with your family. Get an Emergency Preparedness Kit – practice with your family well in advance. Know your escape routes and plan for evacuations if needed.
Items Recommended for your Basic Emergency Kit:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Items Needed for Special Needs Very Young, or Elderly Family Members, Friends or Neighbors
Often, your elderly neighbors may not have family m embers located close-by. Helping your neighbors prepare is just as important as helping your family. Remember to ask your neighbors how you can help them and for their emergency contact information of their family or loved ones.
- Formula
- Diapers
- Bottles
- Powdered milk
- Medications
- Moist towelettes
- Diaper rash ointment
- Prescription Medicines, Insulin for Diabetics
- Contact Lens Cases and Supplies
- Walkers, Wheelchairs
- Depends or Supplies for the Incontinent
- Special Dietary Supplements, Ensure, Boost, Pedialyte
- Medical Records
Don’t wait until a hurricane “warning” is in effect. In those 36 hours preceding a hurricane, you should be securing your family and your home, or evacuated already! Don’t try to be a hero or think you are immune to mother nature. No hurricanes have hit Tallahassee, FL directly since 1985, Hurricane Kate. We have learned a lot from Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Katrina, and closer to home Hurricane Dennis and these storms have taught us valuable lessons. Remember, nothing is as important as you, and your family. Everything else is replaceable. Take care and exercise caution during the 2013 Hurricane season, be prepared.
For help with your real estate transactions, and a guide to buying Coastal Property near the Gulf Coast, Contact First Story Real Estate! 850-727-0066