With hurricane season approaching, the Federal Emergency Management Agency provided a list of ways homeowners can protect their property from the damage hurricanes can bring.
Since Florida has experienced almost double the number of recorded hurricane landfalls of any other state, residents should consider ways to prevent any injuries or damage that could result from hurricanes.
Homeowners should purchase flood insurance because most home insurance policies don’t cover flood-related damage from hurricanes, according to a media release from FEMA.
Hurricane season starts June 1, and National Flood Insurance Program policies take effect 30 days after purchase, so FEMA suggests buying flood insurance as soon as possible.
Garbage cans, garden tools and outdoor furniture can all become projectiles under strong winds. Finding a spot to secure outdoor items during storms is a way to prevent property damage and possible injuries, according to FEMA.
Homeowners should purchase storm shutters to protect windows from strong winds, FEMA suggested.
Homeowners should also clear gutters and downspouts of leaves, twigs and other debris that may prevent rainwater from draining efficiently, according to FEMA’s news release.
For more information on how to protect homes during hurricane season, follow FEMA and the Florida Division of Emergency Management @FEMARegion4 and @FLSERT or visit their Facebook pages at facebook.com/FEMA and facebook.com/FloridaSERT.
Follow Bailey Wingate at @baileywingate1 and contact her at bwingate@alligator.org.
