Is your home protected?  Hurricane Dorian is a powerful reminder that we live in a coastal area, subject to the tides and the whims of Mother Nature. As a Realtor®, as a Florida Native and homeowner, I cannot stress enough to my clients the importance of preparedness. Here are a few tips I’ve learned through the years to help you prepare for future storms. These tips are meant to keep you, your family and pets a little more safe, and give you some extra peace of mind that your investment is as secured as it can be.

1. Check your Homeowners Insurance Policy. Most policies include a “Checklist of Coverage” for your Homeowner’s Insurance.   The primary sections of this include: Dwelling Structure Coverage, Other Structures Coverage, Personal Property Coverage, Deductibles (Other than Hurricane), Loss of Use Coverage, and Other Property Coverages and/or Discounts.
2. Check your Hurricane Deductible & Ask for Discounts. HURRICANE DEDUCTIBLES ARE DIFFERENT FROM NON-HURRICANE DEDUCTIBLES. Be sure you have the LOWEST hurricane deductible you can afford. You don’t want to be stuck with an out-of-pocket deductible expense you can’t afford if there is a major storm. Shop around and see what kind of rates you can find.  Ask your insurance agent if you’re getting discounts for shutters or other items you may have! Most policies offer premium discounts for hurricane loss mitigation. Find out what those items are.
3. Are you in a Flood Zone? This one is important for a couple of reasons. Even if you have a Hurricane Provision in your existing policy, it may be limited. Most policies do NOT cover flood damage or storm surge. Repeat: STORM SURGE is NOT typically covered even under Hurricane provisions. So check your survey, call your insurance provider, and determine if flood and surge coverage is something you should seriously consider.
4. Get Hurricane Shutters. Consider this an investment. If you’ve ever had to stand in line (multiple times through the years) buying sheets of plywood, perhaps it’s time to take a long, hard look at that expense, and start saving for hurricane-grade panels, which are less expensive than their accordion shutter counterparts. They’re custom-fitted for your home, are rated for high-velocity winds and impact, and are easy to install, remove, and store. They even come in clear! Check out AMF Building Products for information on their panels.  If you can afford accordion shutters, we suggest getting multiple estimates by insured and licensed, reputable contractors. Regardless, shutters are an investment in your Florida home that are NEVER a waste! Plus, they save you time at the home improvement store lines and prevent unexpected expenses when a storm is coming.
5. Impact Windows. While impact windows are a pricey investment, they offer a lot of convenience, mute outside sound, and provide extra energy conservation. This option isn’t for the faint of heart (or wallet), however. You’ll be paying roughly $1,500 per window for your installation for a standard window, and upwards of $7,000 for a sliding glass door or French Doors, so this option is a great investment on a home so long as it doesn’t “over-improve” your home value.
6. Backup Generator. If you’ve ever lived through a hurricane, you know that it isn’t just the storm itself that is the only problem; it’s the The intense heat, humidity, mosquitoes, and total darkness due to widespread power outages that can last for days or even weeks. A backup generator like the ones supplied by 1^st Stop Generator Shop in West Palm Beach really keep your entire home running, including that much-needed air conditioning unit, and is an excellent investment on the value of your home. A whole-house generator really comes in handy if you have young children or elderly family members or friends that are sensitive to the heat and may be adversely impacted.
7. Fuel Cans. If you don’t have a whole-house generator, but you do have a portable generator, you need to have a few of these ahead of time. Fuel containers run out as quickly as the gasoline they hold, so it’s better to purchase these inexpensive canisters in advance. Remember, though: Use up whatever gasoline you put in there. Gas has a shelf-life and needs to be used within 3-6 months.
8. First Aid Kit & Water. It never fails that when the power is out, and the storm is raging, someone cuts themselves. Have a first aid kit handy and at the ready to take care of those minor accidents. While they’re recovering with a bandage and antibiotic ointment, they can sip on a little water you picked up in advance to stay hydrated during the storm.
9. Rain Gear. If you need to go outside, be sure you have some utility rain gear and rain shoes. Keep your head and feet as dry as possible. Have extra socks on stand-by just in case. Dry feet are healthy feet!
10. Escape Plan & Evacuation Route Plan. This is just something that you can plan ahead of time. Seriously, for people in Palm Beach and Martin Counties, a storm has only three real possible outcomes: It either travels UP the eastern coast, crosses from the Atlantic to the Gulf, or from the Gulf to the Atlantic. Know which evacuation zone in which you reside and be prepared to communicate with your family which route you will all take to stick together or designate a point of contact. Having the assurance of a plan and keeping in touch keeps stress levels down during an otherwise stressful time.

It may seem like a lot of time, money, and effort to make the calls and get your home and family and/or pets prepared for hurricane season, but you really cannot put a price on the calm you have knowing you have everything in order. Should you need to evacuate, you’ve done everything necessary to secure your home and you can follow emergency response orders until the warning is lifted.

To be honest, growing up, I always thought my Dad was a little over-the-top in preparedness.  Then I went into the U.S. Navy, and everything he taught me was applied times 10. Now, as a mother, business owner, veteran, and homeowner, I completely understand why he went through such painstaking lengths to protect everything and everyone, and am so grateful I can share these tips and my experience with all of you! Growing up in a coastal area like the Palm Beaches, storms are a part of our lives. But it is being prepared that makes the process less daunting and less scary for all of us.

As a side-note, I’d like to extend our heartfelt condolences and sincerest prayers to all of the victims of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. We are proud to a part of a community sending aid and support, and are keeping a watchful eye on the recovery efforts for your community. We stand with you in spirit and in heart. #BahamasStrong