The nearly perfect weather here in Key West comes with a trade-off in the form of susceptibility to tropical storms and hurricanes. Although the hurricane season has been pretty calm this year, forecasters are still predicting an active season. Meteorologists are expecting a total of 14 named tropical storms, with 8 of them becoming hurricanes. Experts are also forecasting a 64% chance that a category 3, 4 or 5 hurricane will hit the United States.
My philosophy is that it’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when you’re dealing with the unpredictability of Mother Nature. Living in the Florida Keys, being prepared for the unexpected is a way of life.
Surviving the Storm: A Guide to Hurricane Preparedness is a publication printed by the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA that offers several tips on being prepared, planning for a disaster and what to do afterward.
Here are a few things the guide points out to help you plan for this year’s hurricane season:
Know Your Risks:
Of course, being in Key West means being in the impact zone if a hurricane decides to strike Florida. Smart construction and home improvements can guard against the worst of damages if a hurricane strikes.
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan:
This can be a little unnerving to tackle, but being proactive can save your family’s life. You can visit www.ready.gov for more information on how to prepare.
Take Action Before and After the Hurricane:
Don’t ignore watches and warnings, and get educated on the different weather advisory categories. Also find out what to do after a hurricane, like waiting for an official all-clear before returning and checking for gas leaks or other hazards.
Strengthen Your Home:
It’s important to make sure your home is fortified and built to withstand forceful winds and water damage.
Flood Insurance:
Depending on which part of the county you live, flood insurance may be completely unnecessary, even if pushy insurance salesmen try to convince you that you need it. But in a hurricane prone area, where storm surges and floods are common, flood insurance is a good idea.
You can download a copy of the guide here to find out lots more information to protect you and your family in case the season is as active as forecasters predict.
Whether you’re a tourist, looking to move permanently to the Keys, or just someone who likes the beauty of nature, the great variety of amenities in the homes in our area are just more reason to want to live in beautiful Key West. If you’re interested in real estate in this attractive area, contact me, Jimmy Lane, at Key West Real Estate: 305-766-0585.
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