Hurricane season is a time of year that can certainly bring about a lot of stress and worry. As a renter it can be particularly difficult to know what steps you should take to prepare for a hurricane. From assembling an emergency kit and caring for your pets, to knowing how and where to evacuate, there are a lot of steps and information to digest. But with the right kind of hurricane preparedness, you can have peace of mind that comes from knowing you and your family are ready to weather the storm. We will cover the essential steps for making sure you, your family, and your belongings stay safe.
Assemble a Disaster Preparedness Pack
To begin the journey into becoming a hurricane preparedness expert, we will start with what to do prior to the existence of a storm, and that is to assemble a preparedness pack. Most of these items can be acquired in your everyday errands but will serve as great tools in the event you and your family may need them. This preparedness pack can also serve as supplies for your apartment in the event the impending hurricane does not warrant an evacuation.
1. Water
It is a general rule of thumb to have a gallon of water per person per day for three days on hand. This will ensure everyone is hydrated in the event the tap water is compromised. Don’t forget about having water on hand for your pets!
2. Non-perishable Foods
Stock up on non-perishable items like canned goods, protein bars, and peanut butter. Make sure you have a can opener handy as well. Again, don’t forget about having a stash of food for your furry family members as well!
3. Flashlights
Having flashlights in the event of a power outage is essential. Have a few flashlights stocked away in your preparedness pack with extra batteries.
4. First Aid Kit
Have a well-stocked first aid kit including bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
5. Important Documents
Keep important documents such as insurance policies, lease agreements, passports, and birth certificates in a waterproof and fireproof container. This will ensure they are safe in the event of a flood or fire.
6. Cash
Have a stash of cash in the event credit card and ATM machines are down.
7. Phone Charger
Make sure you have a portable phone charger on hand in case your phone battery runs out.
8. Fill Your Gas Tank
It’s imperative that you have a full tank of gas before any potential evacuation orders are put into place. This way you can safely get to your destination without having to sit through long gas lines.
Plan for an Evacuation
It is imperative that any renter know their evacuation route and evacuation plan ahead of time. It is also important to do research as to where a safe zone may be so you can book a stay at a hotel for you and your family or bunk up with friends.
In the event your county is called to leave the area, you can find your evacuation route in several ways:
- You can check with your property management office or company; they should be able to provide you with information on the nearest evacuation route for your apartment complex.
- Check with your city or county emergency management department. They may have information posted on their website or social media channels where you can find specific evacuation information. Hurricane Strong also has an evacuation guide if you are not clear whether your place of residence is in an evacuation zone.
- Lastly, you can sign up for alerts from the National Weather Service or FEMA, which can provide you with up-to-date information on emergency situations in your area.
I Am Evacuating…Now what?
Typically, if you are told to evacuate, you should do so as soon as possible. Along with these tips you will be clear-minded and ready to face this step if required.
1. Go Bag
Do not wait until the last minute to start packing your things. Instead, have a “go bag” ready with essential items such as the previously mentioned water, non-perishable foods, medications, clothing, and pet supplies. This way you can move quickly and confidently to a safe space.
2. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Communicate your evacuation route, where you will be staying to ride out the storm, and any other pertinent information to a friend or family member outside of the storm’s path. This way it will give them notice that you are leaving and where to expect you to be to ensure you are safe after travelling.
3. Prep Your Apartment
To ensure the area directly outside of your apartment is safe bring any outdoor plants, flowers, or outdoor furniture inside to make sure they do not fly away and cause any other damage. Apartments at Garden Communities Florida are designed with resilient glass windows, so residents do not have to worry about boarding up the windows prior to leaving. Furthermore, property management will prep the property dependent upon the conditions.
At Garden Communities Florida we are dedicated to the safety of all our residents. Our properties are designed to meet government disaster standards. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you.