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Ten Tips for Hurricane Season

By
Real Estate Appraiser with RE/Max Dynamic

The Gulf waters are heating up and you know what that means......time to start thinking about Hurricanes.

1. First, get important papers and special photos in order and secured in plastic.  Also irreplaceable photos, social security cards, birth certificates, diplomas, titles or deeds are very important.

   

2. Take video or photos of your property before you leave for potential insurance claims.   

3. Consider booking a room in a hotel or motel in another nearby town or state. 

4. Check out pet-friendly hotels in your area.  Unfortunately, it is unlikely that your pet will have a place in a motel or hotel.

5. Designate a spot in the hall closet to keep a bag of clothes for each person in the household. 

6. Consider stocking your Hurricane Kit with the following: extra cash, generator, batteries, flash lights, battery operated radio/television, bottled water, toilet paper, non-perishable foods such as cereal or crackers, canned goods can opener, a small cooler, candles, prescription medicines and any over-the-counter remedies you use regularly; and if you have small children - diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby food.

7. Have at least some hard cash in your Hurricane Kit (see no. 6, above) to see you through the storm.  Remember that ATM's will be non-operating, so

When TV and computer games no longer operate, board games or a deck of cards come in handy! Arts and crafts, crayons and downloadable coloring pages are always great distractions for the kids - so make sure you've stored some of these supplies in a tote bag or in the car trunk.

8. If you decide to tough out the storm, stay downwind in your home.  This means if the wind is hitting the living room windows, go to the room opposite the living room.

9. Plywood is a 'hot' commodity for those of who decide to stay.  Ask a professional at your local hardware store on boarding up windows.  

10. Finally, STAY INSIDE.  However tempting it may be to videotape or take photos of the storm, be sure to shoot from indoors. 

Here's a cool video of the (condensed) 2004 Hurricane season where four storms hit the coast of Florida.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3260058488848383598#

 

 www.tampabayappraisers.com

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