Hurricane Season has officially started and extends until November 30. Whether you summer in the northeast or are full time residents of South Florida, the best way to protect your South Florida property is to be prepared. For those residents that have a second home in South Florida, there are service providers that can implement necessary precautions so your home is protected, and for those full time residents, we are pleased to offer the following recommendations for preparedness for before, during, and after a storm. We are pleased to offer referrals to property managers that can also assist those out of town clients and for more information and a complete guide, visit www.miamidade.gov or www.broward.org .

Preparation:

• Purchase non-perishable items such as canned goods, boxed milks, and plenty of bottled water in advance of a storm to avoid last minute rushes to the store.
• Freeze gallons of water, so that in the event of a power outage, perishable items will last longer.
• Have a generator installed as soon as possible. If you have not purchased a generator, there are many varieties available and it is best to have them installed well in advance of hurricane season or a storm.
• If you do not have a generator, have battery powered devices and gasoline on hand.
• Have your lawn and garden specialists visit to assess whether trees or shrubs need to be excised, in order to reduce the amount of debris that could potentially harm your property in high winds.

Before a Storm:

• Reduce potential debris by storing lawn and pool furniture safely and pruning tree limbs and shrubs. Licensed arborists are the best choice for larger jobs.
• Remove hazardous home chemicals to a collection center. If you had recently completed renovations and paint, pesticides, or pool chemicals were left on your property, disposal of these items and disposal of other trash can be scheduled with your county.

During a Storm:

• Stay Indoors
• Keep a radio or tv on for weather updates and public service announcements
• Turn off electricity if there is a flood threatening
• Use flashlights rather than candles or kerosene.

After a Storm:

• Remain inside until authorities say it is safe.
• Be careful of downed electrical wires and fallen objects, report down lines to FPL.
• Inspect your home for damage and photograph immediately, for insurance purposes.
• Place debris in right of way.
• Avoid Standing Water, as it may be deeper than it appears.
• Call 3-1-1 for information in Miami Dade, for Broward 9-1-1.