There are advantages and disadvantages of owning a property. Natural disasters make us wonder why we thought that investing in a certain property was such a great idea. Hurricanes can cause damages but they can usually be predicted days or weeks in advance, giving us time to prepare. Hurricanes can smash lives as well as break properties. Being prepared can help you minimize the storm’s impact. The best time to start is before the threat is brewing at hand. Here are some ways that you can prepare before a hurricane strikes. When the storm does hit, call ServiceMaster by PWF for all your clean up and repair needs.

1. Plan your evacuation route very well ahead of time - you may need to evacuate ahead of time if you live near the coast or in a mobile home. It is an intelligent move if you create your own evacuation plan well before the disaster strikes if you don’t get any instructions from your local government. In this way, you’ll know about the nearest shelters ahead of time, take your pets into account, make sure to take important documents, and make a trial run.

2. Consider a generator - in the time of an approaching natural disaster, considering purchasing a generator for your property is one of the best options. Generators are will save you money in the long run; they can be very costly but after a disaster hits, you will be very glad that your purchased one.

3. Prepare emergency supplies on hand - people go to stores when a hurricane warning is being issued. Get ahead of the rush by having the following on hand:

· Extra batteries
· Candles or lamps with fuel
· Matches (keep them dry all the time)
· Materials and tools for emergency home repairs-such as heavy plastic sheeting, plywood, hammer, etc.
· First aid kit
· Prescription drugs
· Supplies of drinking water
· Canned foods
· Portable/chargeable/battery-supplied radio
· Flashlights and batteries
· Basic tools

4. Personal Property Inventory - making a home inventory will help you ensure that you have purchased enough insurance to replace your personal possessions. It can also speed the claims process, validate losses for income tax purposes, and is helpful. Just make sure that your home inventory is among the important documents that you’re going to take with you.

5. Have the Proper Insurance - obtaining proper insurance is the first thing that you should do before you even close a property. Ensure that the insurance goes into effect the second you close on the property. Once the hurricane is on the radar, it is too late to get the proper insurance coverage.

6. Take steps to protect your home - hurricanes can turn landscaping materials into a mess, and can break windows and doors and much of the property can be damaged. While modifying your home to protect against these possibilities is undoubtedly an expense, you can do it in stages.

· Replace gravel or rock landscaping materials with shredded bark since it is much lighter and will not cause much harm.
· Cut weak branches or tress that could fall on your house and keep shrubs well-trimmed.
· Ensure that door exteriors are hurricane-proof and have at least three hinges and a dead bolt lock that is one inch long.
· Sliding glass doors should be made of tempered glass and, during the storm, must be covered with shutters or plywood.
· Replace old garage doors and tracks with a door that is approved for both wind pressure and impact protection.
· Secure outside wall openings such as vents, outdoor electrical outlets, garden hose bibs and locations where cables or pipes go through the wall.

A hurricane can destroy anything in its path, with its lashing winds, heavy rains, and storm surges. Here are some tips on how to survive the wild rage of a hurricane.

Before it hits
· Residents living near coastal areas should create evacuation plans before a warning issue is raised.
· Stock up emergency supplies including food, water clothing, medications, first aid kits, flashlights, batteries, other important documents, and gasoline.

During the storm
· Evacuees should listen to local authorities on radio or television. Get inside the most secure building possible and stay away from windows.
· Wait for the authorities to announce that the hurricane has passed.

ServiceMaster by PWF is a water damage restoration and flood damage restoration company in St. Augustine and all other areas of St. Johns County, as well as surrounding Northeast Florida counties. If you want to be prepared, check out our company. We also perform storm damage restoration in St. Augustine. We have great tools to help get you and your family-even your pets-organized and ready to act quickly if emergency strikes. Contact us today! 813-295-7797.