Hurricane preparation: How do I prepare my house and yard for a hurricane?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 with the peak of the season on Sept. 10. The most activity happens between mid-August and mid-October, according to the National Hurricane Center.
While the presence of El Ni?o this year could mean a less energetic tropical Atlantic, there is unusually warm water in parts of the Atlantic, so anything can happen.
The key to getting through storm season is being prepared. That's why The Palm Beach Post has compiled lists, tips, contact numbers and maps that should help you prepare for a storm, and, if need be, get through it fine.
What you should do to protect your home during a hurricane
Refill special medications.
Get cash (ATMs may not work for days after). Don’t charge credit cards to the limit; you might need extra cash after the storm.
Get supplies. Here is a checklist for food and water.
Don’t fill gasoline cans until right before the storm; they are a fire hazard.
Fill vehicle fuel tank. Gas stations will run out and some will not have power to run pumps. Check your car’s battery, water, oil. Make sure you have a spare tire and buy aerosol kits that fix and inflate flats.
Check fire extinguishers.
If you own a boat, make necessary preparations.
Prepare your pool. Don’t drain it.
If you own a plane, have it flown out or secured.
Hurricane preparation: What supplies do you need for a storm? Here's a list.
More hurricane preparedness: How to protect your boat from a storm
Hurricane prep: What to do with your pets during a storm
What should you do when the hurricane is approaching?
Get shutters, storm panels or plywood in place on windows. If you haven’t installed sockets, attach with wood screws; they’re better than nails and do less damage. Read more here
Don’t tape windows; tape can create daggers of glass and bake onto panes.
Remove swings and tarps from swing sets. Tie down anything you can’t bring in. Check for loose rain gutters, moldings.
Move grills, patio furniture and potted plants into your house or garage.
If you do any last-minute pruning, take clippings inside so they don’t become missiles.
Disconnect and remove satellite dish or antenna from your roof.
Check your mailbox. If it’s loose, secure or remove it.
Remove roof turbines and cap holes with screw-on caps. Unsecured turbines can fly off and create a large hole for rain to pour through.
Prepare patio screening. It usually is built to sustain tropical-force winds, but as it fills with wind, it can separate from the frame. Officials recommend you remove a 6-foot panel on each side to let wind pass through. Pull out the tubing that holds screening in frame to remove screen.
Secure and brace external doors, especially the garage door and double doors.
Move vehicles out of flood-prone areas and into garages if possible. If not, park cars away from trees and close to homes or buildings.
Don’t turn off your natural gas at the main meter. Only emergency or utility people should do that.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida hurricane season 2023: How to prepare your house and yard
