Hurricanes are an all too common occurrence for anyone living in Pensacola, Florida. Intense hurricanes can cause massive damage to your home and property in only a little amount of time. Taking additional steps to limit hurricane damage is essential in staying proactive against these dangerous storms. Creating a hurricane preparedness list can play a crucial role in reducing the need for hurricane restoration while helping you get ready for hurricane season in Pensacola, Florida.
Hurricane Preparedness List
Understanding how to hurricane-proof homes is essential in keeping damages to a minimum. You can protect your Pensacola Beach home in a variety of ways, such as installing storm shutters, removing items from your porch, and using weather-resistant outdoor caulk around your doors and windows. Creating a detailed hurricane preparedness list is well worth the effort in keeping your home safe against the devastating impact of Pensacola weather.
Here are a few of the top things you need to always include in your hurricane preparedness list.
Invest in Impact-Resistant Glass
One of the most effective ways to protect your Pensacola Beach home is to invest in impact-resistant glass for all of your windows and glass doors. Impact glass is specifically tested to withstand the devastating impact of flying projectiles from hurricanes that can reach 110 MPH. You can typically lower your insurance premium by installing impact glass throughout your house. Additional benefits of impact glass include reducing outside noise, improving energy efficiency, and providing extra protection against break-ins.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Another important step in preparing for hurricane season in Pensacola, Florida, is to trim your trees and shrubs to limit damages. Removing overhanging branches around your home is especially important. You may even consider hiring a contractor to cut down a large tree near your home to avoid potential damages. Removing debris from tree limbs is also important in limiting the number of flying projectiles during a hurricane. Taking these proactive steps can play a key role in helping you protect your home.
Bring Loose Items Inside or Lock Them Down
Loose items outside are a significant danger during a hurricane. These items can quickly fly through the air and cause substantial damages to your house or property in Pensacola Beach. These items may include garbage or recycling bins, patio furniture, grills, potted plants, or yard decorations. Making sure your balcony is clear of these items is also important if you live in a condo. You can also contact your local building association if you have any other questions or concerns.
Modify Your Refrigerator and Freezer Settings
Power outages are a frequent occurrence during a hurricane. These power outages can make it challenging to keep your food from spoiling. Adjusting the refrigerator and freezer settings to the coldest settings can help you extend the lifespan of your food before it’s ruined. Cold items will stay cold for at least 4 hours if the door is shut and frozen items can stay frozen for 48 hours during a power outage. Keeping all of these things in mind is important in preparing for hurricane season.
Closing Thoughts
Staying prepared for hurricane season is essential for anyone living near Pensacola, Florida. Following these steps can play an essential role in limiting damages and helping you prepare for hurricane season. Storing the phone number of your insurance agent on your phone is also a good idea. Reaching out to your insurance provider as soon as possible is critical in giving you the help you need to recover from the devastating impact of a hurricane.