5 Hurricane Safety Tips for Forgotten Coast of Florida Residents

5 Hurricane Safety Tips for Forgotten Coast of Florida Residents

How you react to an incoming hurricane and what you do will have a big impact on how you and your home will safely make it through the lashing winds and rains of cylindrical rotation a tropical storm system brings. While we hope hurricanes will take a wayward spin into the sea and wreak havoc far from our houses, hurricanes will make landfall sooner or later. How you prepare before, during, and after the storm can be the difference between life and death and your home seeing it through the hurricane scot-free.

In this article, we will uncover five great hurricane safety tips for residents of the Forgotten Coast of Florida they will take to heart.

1. Remain Inside and Far From Windows

If a mandatory evacuation order in your area is underway, we always suggest evacuating as soon as possible. The best place to be during a hurricane is as far from its destructive path as possible. Orders for evacuation were issued for good reason, and getting far from the hurricane is the easiest way to stay safe during one. What you will do during a storm will depend on whether or not you will be evacuating your house. If you decide to stay, you will need to remain inside at all times and far from windows or doors. Hurricanes are powerful storms that can thrust entire cars through the air. Even if your home is equipped with impact-resistant windows and doors, it is always a good idea to remain a safe distance away while the hurricane passes through. During a hurricane, the second-best place to be is an interior room, like a closet or bathroom, or the first floor of your home. Even if the storm seems to have calmed down, stay indoors because it can be the calm eye of the storm.

2. Keep Up with the Local and National Alerts

If you opt to ride out the hurricane at home, there is a good chance that you will lose power at some point. This will knock out the internet, TV, call service, wireless capability, and any other high-tech communication methods you might have with the outside world. This is where a battery-powered portable radio will come in handy. Having a portable radio that runs on battery power will ensure that you always have an internal connection with the rest of the outside world, ensuring that you stay up to date about the storm, its path, and when the hurricane has passed safely. All you have to do is keep up with the National Weather Service, which is a frequency that broadcasts storm forecasts, and warnings, and watches 24 hours a day. It is important to stock up on extra batteries before the storm so that you can stay tuned in after the storm.

3. Prepare Yourself to Turn Off Main Energy Sources

You might be surprised to find that many don't know how to turn off the main power, water, or gas sources in their home. Knowing where the. The master valve is for all three utilities, which might be the difference between remaining safe and facing dangerous conditions. If a hurricane knocks out the power to your home, it is important to turn off the main power source to your home. Should the power source be left on when the power comes back on, there is a big chance it can send an unnecessary amount of power to all of your appliances and fry them. This can cause house fires, so it is imperative to be careful.

Though water won't work if the power goes out, the main water supply will need to be turned off to prevent overflowing and flooding from your sinks, toilets, or showers.

Turning off the home's main gas supply is crucial in the event a hurricane cuts off power to your home. If you have a gas grill, a gas fireplace, or other gas sources inside your home, leaving it on while the power is out can come with grave consequences. While it is a rare case, this can overflow the gas supply in your home and cause the house to catch on fire or blow up. Turning off the main gas supply is an easy way to stay safe rather than sorry.

4. Utilize Hurricane Equipment Carefully

If a hurricane causes the power to go out, you might consider using a generator to temporarily use everyday appliances until the power comes back on. If you operate a generator, it is important to do so the right way. To start, you should always read the generator's owner's manual before turning it on. You must set it up away from doors and windows because toxic carbon monoxide is released from generators that can be fatal if they get into your home. You should keep a carbon monoxide detector inside the door or window closest to the generator, as it will inform you if toxic fumes are getting into your home. If you ride out the hurricane by candlelight, do so carefully. It may sound obvious, but you have to keep candles away from anything flammable and blow them out when going to sleep.

5. Beware of Water Entering Your Home

If water is coming into your home from the outside, whether it is through a damaged window or another source, turn off your home's main power source. The water can surge the power and turn into an electrical fire. After you turn off your water's main power source, try to round up towels and other items that can prevent the water from continuing to pour into your house. This can help to prevent more damage from occurring.

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Bottom Line

Preparing yourself properly will be the deciding factor of how well your home will weather the storm of a hurricane. Listening in on weather reports, stocking up on battery-powered items and necessities, and being aware of turning off the power, water, and gas to your home will help you and (hopefully) your home to make it through the wreckage a hurricane brings to the Forgotten Coast of Florida. Residing somewhere your home can be lost to a storm is not for the weak. However, living in a scenic, stunning location like the coast of Florida is just as rewarding. Trust the local real estate professionals at Coastal Realty Group to guide you in finding and settling down in the home of your dreams in the many beautiful, thriving waterfront neighborhoods that make up the Forgotten Coast of Florida, today.