Hurricane season in Florida is June-November. The weather is normally hot and beautiful…but occasionally there can sometime be less than desirable weather.
Polk county where the home is located is elevated and one of the safest counties in the state of Florida. People come to this inland area when there is a hurricane. The worst that will likely happen is that you may lose power and internet.
If you have purchased trip insurance, you may be able to file a claim when a tropical storm is predicted during your stay and you do not feel comfortable traveling. Contact your insurance company directly for more information. Then we can move your vacation date and your investment is safe.
BEFORE a storm, if you are at the home during a storm warning, here are some things you can do to prepare:
- Make a trip to the grocery store to get the following supplies:
- Flashlights and batteries.
- Non perishable food and bottled water.
- Cooler.
- Gallon size Zip lock bags.
- Battery operated fans.
- Fill your automobile gas tank.
- Get some cash from an ATM.
- Secure items in the outdoor lenai (screened in pool) from the wind. Place pillows and inflatables in the exterior closet.
- Put the trash can inside the garage.
- Park your cars in the garage and away from trees that could fall.
- Freeze water in zip lock bags or bottles.
- Fill up the bathtub with extra water.
- Place important documents in a zip lock bag where you can access easily. Put these inside dishwasher as a waterproof location. (Don’t run it.)
- Charge all your smartphone batteries, laptop, and extra battery backups.
- Take photos/video of everything you have.
- Wash and dry all your clothing.
DURING a storm:
- Stay in a room in the center of the home away from windows or exterior doors. Keep windows closed.
- If power fails, avoid unnecessary opening and closing of the refrigerator to preserve foods as long as possible.
- Use telephone for emergencies only.
- Remain informed through the National Hurricane Center
- Stay indoors until an “all clear” from authorities is issued.
AFTER a storm passes:
- If the power is out, move frozen water to the fridge or cooler to keep food cold.
- Check the home for any leaks and report if found.
- Watch toilets, tubs, and showers for flooding.
- The pool may be cold and cloudy. Do not attempt to drain the pool. Wait for the power to return and for the pump to begin cleaning and heating the water again before swimming.
- Watch for downed power lines and avoid.
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