Here we go again! If you haven’t heard the news, the tropics are heating up and it looks like Tropical Storm Dorian (soon to be hurricane Dorian) could be here for Labor Day. Here is a link to the National Hurricane Center for the latest information. https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at5+shtml/204140.shtml?cone
If you haven’t looked at your hurricane supplies since Irma, it’s time to take inventory and see what you need just in case Dorian continues on the projected path. Hit the store today to start getting your supplies. You know what the grocery stores look like as we get closer to the storm.
What should you have?
Bottled water, batteries, canned goods, can opener, prescriptions, glasses/contacts, first aid kit, aspirin/Tylenol, etc. Plan on having a 3 day supply at a minimum.
If you have pets, remember to bring their leashes, food, prescriptions, kennel and have water for them too.
Keep your phones charged. Bring your mophie/battery packs with you.
Gas up your vehicles. If you have a gas can for a lawnmower, fill it too.
Check your BBQ gas tank & backup tanks too.
Get cash now! If power is down, ATMs won’t work. Neither will credit card processing machines.
Do you have a plan for evaluating? How about a backup plan?
Prep your home.
Minimize the projectiles (Move your potted plants, outdoor furniture, etc to the garage or covered patio/porch)
Trim your trees.
Mow the grass.
Tape your keyholes (keeps sand from being blown into the cylinder)
Put towels on your window sills
Use your dishwasher to store things you want to keep dry.
Fill up your tub for emergency water. (Use it to flush toilets or wash/clean)
Fill up your washer too.
Close the interior doors.
If you don’t have shutters, plywood is a great alternative. I used clips to hold the boards in place. Take pictures of your protected home. If you are able to, get on a ladder then take photos of your roof too. (you want proof of condition just in case)
If they do recommend evacuating, don’t be a hero and ride it out. Leave the barrier island. If you stay and things go bad, you are stuck. If you call 911, you are putting our first responders in danger. They are already stressed and worried about their families, don’t be the one to add to it. The last 2 storms to affect our area were Matthew in 2016 and Irma in 2017. Cocoa Beach was without power and water for 7+ days. We can hope this will not happen again, but we need to have a plan in place just in case.
What are you doing to prepare for the storm?
About the author:
Eric Larkin is a Broker Associate with REMAX Solutions. He lives, works, and plays in the Cocoa Beach area. Eric has been helping buyers and sellers with their real estate needs since becoming a real estate agent in 2003. His focus is always on helping, answering your questions, and doing everything possible to make certain you have a smooth transaction from beginning to end.
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