In Florida, we are right in the middle of hurricane season, so it’s a great time to sharpen our preparedness skills. Our Lake Nona roofers know how severe Florida storms can be so we put together a list of safety tips to keep you and your family out of harm’s way.
Since hurricane season lasts for months in our part of the world, it can be easy to lose focus on the weather and let your preparedness fall to the bottom of your to-do list. And if you’re new to the area or have never experienced a severe hurricane season, what better time to brush up on your weather knowledge?
At Advantage Roofing, we’ve been through decades of storm seasons so we know how to stay safe. Use the experience of our Lake Nona roofers to get ready for the next storm.
Let’s start with some hurricane knowledge:
Hurricanes 101
If you understand the terminology and warning systems, it will help you to be better prepared. Here are some things to remember, courtesy of our expert team of Lake Nona roofers:
Tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes – What a storm is called depends on its wind speed. A storm typically starts as a tropical depression with wind speeds of 38 mph or greater. As wind speeds pick up, it can become a tropical storm with wind speeds of 39-73 mph. Finally, a hurricane has wind speeds of 74 mph or greater.
Watch vs. warning – A watch means conditions are favorable. A warning means a storm is on its way.
Eye and eye wall – The eye of the storm is the clear center of the cyclone where the weather is relatively calm. Conversely, the eye wall immediately surrounding the eye can contain some of the most severe weather conditions.
Storm surge – When a storm makes landfall, it can cause major damage as wind, rain, hail, and flooding hits residential areas.
How To Prepare
Just as Oklahomans watch the weather reports for tornados, Floridians keep an eye on any tropical storms forming near the coast. When you know a storm is heading your direction, our Lake Nona roofers say that’s when it’s time to prepare.
You’ll need a kit that you can take with you if you need to evacuate. You can also use this kit if you are able to stay home but cannot venture out or you are without power.
Here are some items to include in your kit:
- Non-perishable food
- Water
- Baby supplies
- Pet food
- Flashlights
- Personal hygiene items
- Books, magazines, and games
- Evacuation plan
- And other items
The sooner you assemble your kit, the better because when a storm is coming, people can decimate the store supplies quickly. Be proactive and think ahead.
Secure Your Home
Although there is no way to completely protect your home from a severe storm, doing these things can help:
- Bring in all outdoor furniture
- Cover or tape your windows
- Use straps or clips to secure your roof to your home
- Reinforce your garage doors
Protect Your Home From Lightning
Other than rain and wind, Florida gets more than its share of lightning during storm season. Did you know that we are the lightning capital of the country? Use these tips to protect your home from a high-voltage weather event:
- Use a home lightning protection system that includes lightning rods, main conductors, and surge protectors.
- Unplug electronics and appliances.
- Install transient voltage surge protectors that limit the amount of power that can be sent to your outlets. It’s like a surge protector for your entire home.
Call Advantage Roofing After The Storm
Even when you’re fully prepared, a storm can still cause major damage to your home and to your roof. When you need our professional team of Lake Nona roofers to assess any storm damage, we’ll be there for you.
We know storm season can be stressful, but take solace in knowing that Advantage Roofing can handle any roof repair or replacement that you need. Contact us today to discuss how to keep your home safe.