Florida is a beautiful state that offers warm year-round temperatures, which is desirable for those who want to escape cold weather. Unfortunately, Florida’s location between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean also makes it prone to severe weather like hurricanes and tropical storms, which can lead to massive water damages. Protect your property from natural disasters by using the following preparation guide. 

A Guide to Preparing Your Home for Natural Disasters

Prepare Your Home

Power often goes out during severe storms, but when the electricity comes back on, the power surge can damage your appliances and devices. Before the storm hits, unplug all your electrical devices, including your television and microwave. 

Another way to prepare your home for an impending storm is to stock on up food and store it correctly. Purchase plenty of water bottles and canned goods to hold you over for a few days in case stores don’t open immediately. Pack your freezer with ice to salvage your perishables in case the power goes out. 

Pack a Bag

In some cases, inclement weather may be severe enough for you to leave your home. It’s always wise to keep a bag packed with essentials in case you have to go quickly. Everyone in your house should have their own bag, and they should include a change of clothes, toiletries, a first-aid kit, medications, a cell phone, and chargers. It’s also wise to have enough cash for a week’s worth of food and necessities in case power outages prevent credit or debit transactions.

Know Your Evacuation Plans

Before the storm arrives, pick two locations out of the danger zone where your family can meet after an evacuation. Ideally, one place should be close to home, and another one should be far away. Make sure everyone knows the locations and how to reach them. Each member of your household should have a list of emergency contacts, including an out-of-town contact person who can help relay information about your evacuation and well-being to others.

If your home sustained water damage from severe weather, the professionals at SERVPRO of Greater St. Augustine / St. Augustine Beach will bring your home back to its original condition. Their highly trained and certified team provides cleanup and restoration services for clients throughout St. Augustine, FL. In addition to water damage restoration, they also offer mold remediation, fire damage repairs, and emergency storm services. Call (904) 429-4457 to schedule an appointment today or visit them online to learn more about their services.