If most of you are anything like me, you were fairly certain that you could coast through the remainder of the 2016 Hurricane Season. However, it looks like we need to prepare for one of the worst storms that we have had in quite some time - Hurricane Matthew. Remember, there must be a price to pay to live in paradise, and this is certainly ours.
Governor Rick Scott has warned us Floridians, and it appears that this storm could bring the most damage that we have seen since the devastating Hurricane Andrew all the way back in 1992. Additionally, coastal counties of South Carolina are even preparing for evacuation orders.
Hurricane Matthew has already left a wretched path in its dust, from Haiti and Jamaica to the Bahamas. Forecasters are predicting the storm will strengthen to a Category 4 hurricane by the time it reaches Florida sometime on Thursday, October 6th.
Its been over a decade since the US has had a Category 3 or higher storm land on our shores - this is the longest Hurricane Drought in Hurricane history. However, authorities are worried that residents have let their guard down, and won't take the necessary steps to prepare and have a plan in place come time for action!
If you haven't made a trip to your local hardware store to grab a generator, flashlight, batteries, etc, or a trip to your local grocery for water, canned food and even gas, act now! You don't want to be left without the tools needed to make it through this storm! If you already have most of your necessities, check out my list below for plenty of things you can take care of in your home to make sure you and your family stay safe!
- Develop a Family Emergency Plan so that your whole household can be on the same page!
- Trim trees and landscaping in advance of hurricane threats
- Once a hurricane or tropical storm watch/warning is issued, vegetation cannot be generated or left out for collection. Knowing this can help keep streets as clean as possible in the event of flooding.
- Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts
- Determine a safe evacuation route inland so that your family doesn't have added stress in case evacuation is warranted
- If you have a pet, make sure you find pet-friendly hotels on your evacuation route
- Buy non-perishable food and store drinking water - keep in mind that you should have enough water stashed away so that each person can have a gallon each day
- When it comes to going through your food supply, be sure to eat refrigerated food first, followed by freezer food, and hold onto pantry food to eat last
- Learn locations of nearby official hurricane refuges and/or shelters
- Review your insurance policy and store with other important documents for quick access in case an evacuation is needed
- Keep emergency equipment stocked: flashlights, generators, battery-powered equipment, first aid kit (be sure to include a cold compress AND a blanket!) and cell-phones
- Make sure to bring outdoor furniture and decor indoor when a hurricane warning is in place
- Have a plan for protecting your home: shutters, window panels, etc.
- Stay safe + stay dry!
Remember to check out my website to learn more about living on Singer Island and how you can enjoy South Florida, rain or shine!
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