As hurricane season continues in Florida, residents in potentially affected areas must be well-prepared. Amerant Bank, which operates and serves Florida, understands the importance of keeping our customers and team members safe. We decided to compile this list of hurricane prep tips to provide essential information so that everyone stays safe and minimizes damage to their property.
Understanding Hurricanes
Before discussing preparation tips, it’s crucial to understand hurricanes and how they form. Hurricanes, also known as tropical cyclones, form robust storm systems over warm ocean waters. The characteristics are strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges that can cause significant damage to coastal areas.
Hurricane Categories
Hurricanes are categorized based on their sustained wind speeds using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:
1 Category 1: 74-95 mph
2 Category 2: 96-110 mph
3 Category 3: 111-129 mph
4 Category 4: 130-156 mph
5 Category 5: 157 mph or higher
As the category increases, so does the potential for catastrophic damage. However, it’s important to note that even lower-category hurricanes can cause significant harm, primarily through flooding and storm surges. Once people categorize a hurricane, they must prioritize hurricane preparedness.
Preparing Your Home
One of the most critical aspects of hurricane readiness is preparing one’s home. Taking the following steps can help minimize damage and keep residents safe:
Secure the Exterior
- Trim trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of falling branches
- Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage
- Secure or bring inside any outdoor furniture, decorations, or equipment
- Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood
Reinforce Entry Points
- Ensure doors have at least three hinges and a deadbolt lock
- Install head and foot bolts on double-entry doors
- Reinforce garage doors to prevent wind damage
- Seal any doors that allow water into the property, especially if you live closer to water.
Create a Safe Room
Designate an interior room on the home’s lowest floor as a safe room or higher ground if you’re near bodies of water. This room should have:
- No windows
- Access to emergency supplies
- A battery-powered radio for updates
- Comfortable seating for all family members
Emergency Supply Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit is essential for riding out a hurricane. Here’s a list of items to include:
Food and Water
- One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
- Non-perishable food for at least three days
- Manual can opener
- Pet food and extra water for pets
Health and Safety
- First aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
- Dust masks, plastic sheeting, and duct tape for shelter
Communication and Lighting
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Extra batteries
- Flashlights
- Whistle to signal for help
Personal Items
- Changes of clothes and sturdy shoes
- Sleeping bags or warm blankets
- Important family documents in a waterproof container
- Cash and change
Evacuation Planning
While staying at home may be preferable, it’s crucial to have an evacuation plan in place. Here are some key points to consider:
Know Your Zone
Familiarize yourself with local evacuation zones and routes. Local authorities will use these zones to coordinate evacuations based on the hurricane’s projected path and intensity.
Plan Your Route
- Identify several potential evacuation routes
- Keep a physical map in case GPS services are unavailable
- Plan for alternative destinations in different directions
Prepare Your Vehicle
- Keep the gas tank at least half full at all times during hurricane season
- Perform regular maintenance to ensure the vehicle is in good condition
- Pack an emergency kit specifically for the car
Practice Your Plan
Conduct evacuation drills with family members to ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go in an emergency. This may feel silly, but like any emergency for which you’ve seen instructions (pre-flight safety demonstrations, cruise ship emergency drills, etc.), it’s best to know what to do instead of never having seen it.
Staying Informed
Keeping up-to-date with the latest information is crucial during a hurricane. Here are some ways to stay informed with your hurricane prep in Florida or any state where they occur:
Official Sources
- National Hurricane Center (NHC) website and social media accounts
- Local emergency management offices and local officials
- NOAA Weather Radio
Mobile Apps
- FEMA app
- Red Cross Emergency app
- Local news station apps
Social Media
Follow local government agencies, weather services, and reputable news sources on social media platforms for real-time updates.
During the Hurricane
If sheltering in place during a hurricane, follow these guidelines:
- Stay in the designated safe room
- Keep away from windows and glass doors
- Do not go outside, even if the storm appears to have calmed – this could be the eye of the hurricane.
- Continue to monitor weather updates
- Be prepared for power outages
After the Storm
Once the hurricane has passed, there are still potential dangers to be aware of:
Safety First
- Wait for official word that it’s safe to return home if evacuated
- Be cautious of debris, downed power lines, and floodwaters
- Use flashlights, not candles, to examine the damage
- Avoid drinking tap water until authorities declare it safe
Assessing Damage
- Document any damage with photos and videos for insurance purposes
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage
- Be wary of door-to-door contractors offering immediate repairs
Community Support
- Check on neighbors, especially older people or those with special circumstances
- Volunteer with local organizations to help with cleanup efforts
- Donate to reputable disaster relief organizations
Long-Term Preparedness
Hurricane readiness isn’t just about preparing for the immediate threat. It’s an ongoing process that involves:
Annual Reviews
- Update emergency plans and contact information yearly
- Check and replenish emergency supplies
- Review insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage
Home Improvements
Consider long-term upgrades to improve hurricane resistance:
- Install impact-resistant windows and doors
- Reinforce the roof with hurricane straps
- Elevate the home if in a flood-prone area
Community Involvement
- Participate in local emergency preparedness events
- Join or form a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
- Advocate for improved infrastructure and emergency response in your area
Hurricane Prep in Florida: Banking Center Status
Hurricane preparation and readiness require careful planning and ongoing vigilance. By following these hurricane prep tips, individuals and communities can significantly reduce the risks associated with hurricanes. Remember, it’s not just about surviving the storm—it’s about being prepared to recover and rebuild in its aftermath. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe.
To our Florida customers, please see here for information and updates on our banking center statuses in South Florida and Tampa as we continue to monitor Hurricane Milton. Amerant is closing all branches on Thursday, 10/10, to allow our team members to remain safe at home.
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