Hurricane Season is Here Again, Despite the Summertime Holiday

Posted by Jean-Luc Andriot on Monday, May 28th, 2018 at 11:38am.

Hurricane evacuation route sign for Jean-Luc Andriot blog 052818

Boca Ratonians Prepare To Protect Their Property Investment

While the rest of the nation may be ready for a barbeque, many Floridians are preparing for the first hurricane to make landfall. Even though Hurricane Alberto will be making landfall sometime today, it reminds us, to prepare & protect our property investment no matter what part of the season we may be facing. Here’s how some Boca Ratonians are preparing for another active hurricane season.

People living in Palm Beach County are stocking up on bottled water. Even though most Boca Raton residents will only be seeing rainfall, we remind you to stock up on things like bottled water. On the contrary to our part-time residents and snowbirds, this may not be the case. But, for those planning on staying year around, stocking up on water is an excellent idea. For instance, if you lose power or the water is turned off, you’ll be prepared and ready to quench your thirst. Think of how much easier it is to avoid the crowded grocery store lines because you stocked up on water throughout the season rather than waiting for 1-week pre-hurricane. One excellent tip is to buy a case or water each time you go to the grocer no matter what time of year it may be. You’ll have a much easier time, than when the crowds are out fighting for the last supply.

Check with your HOA on the use of generators. A generator can come in handy during a hurricane if you should lose power. However, not all residents are permitted to use these devices as they run on gas. Be sure to check with your HOA if they are allowed and what size requirements they accept. For those of you who live in a luxury condominium, ask the concierge what they might suggest ensuring building code and safety. Since many of the power lines are under the ground, you may not lose power during a tropical storm. However, it’s a great idea to keep one of these power sources around if you do.

Some of you may be thinking about grilling your food in between rain and wind. Also, post-hurricane means have plenty of propane in the event you lose power and need to cook any food that has become thawed. People living in subdivision communities find this to be one of the best parts of hurricane season. But, if the social aspect doesn’t have you convinced, it may be something to think about as food can be an expense regardless. There are plenty of people who combat this by not stocking a lot of food in the freezer or fridge during this time of year. Perhaps, this strategy is an excellent idea as you can prevent any shrinkage? Rather than keeping a year supply of meat and produce in the ole’ Sub-Zero, buy fresh and use up any food early enough to prevent losing investments. Also, you can always pre-cook any meat and then store it in an ice-chest or cooler before the storm hits.

Regardless of your food supply and preventing loss, if you air conditioning unit goes out during one of these storms it can be quite miserable. That is if you don’t have alternative ways to cool off? If the heat becomes unbearable, after the bad weather has passed, remember to keep a wet cloth or a bandana around your neck to help cool you down. Remember if you are living via ocean side, not to chance going out to get fresh air until the increment winds have passed as there may be flying debris which can turn into projectiles. Staying cool is important, but not as much as your safety. Also, storm surge is one of the most significant ways people are in danger.

Storm Surge and Storm tides are something that everyone living on the coast needs to be aware. Even though the hurricane has passed, there’s always a chance of unpredictable changes in the ocean that could cause more issues. Be sure to stay indoors and away from the shoreline until the impact of the severe weather has passed. Some thrill seekers who live or are visiting may be enticed to surf or swim in this water. Not surfing or being in water is highly inadvisable as there’s always the danger of large pieces of debris, unwelcome sea animals and more. If you live in one of our beachfront properties, stay indoors until the ‘coast is clear.’

In addition to storm surge, flooding is widespread in these parts during this time of year. Be sure to remember the old saying “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Flash flooding can happen inland and isn’t’ always caused by lakes and oceans. It’s your responsibility to stay away from flooded areas as you want to safeguard yourself and family from any flooding disaster. Also, contact your insurance company and request your policy to be adequate in the event there’s a flood. Protect yourself first, home and property last, and you’ll be okay.

If you’re looking to protect your home and won’t be available during the Summertime Holidays, contact a friend, neighbor or an outside company to ensure your property investment is prepared and protected. An excellent slice of advice is to be friendly with your neighbors as they will watch over your home while you may be out of town. In the event there’s a severe storm, you want to ensure your house is not being robbed or looted. If you live in country club estate, let the HOA know if you’ll be gone or are staying, so they’re aware of additional securities to protect your investment.

We hope that today’s Memorial Day Celebration isn’t washed out for you? But, we also hope with many of the states preparing for Hurricane Alberto, that you also observe this season to be potentially active. Be ready, protect your investment but most importantly protect your family. There’s plenty of holidays to come if you’re ready and keep yourself safe.

We hope you find this information useful. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have in regards to your home selling or buying needs. Contact us today.

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