Hurricane Season Planning Essentials for Your Custom Home

Forecasters predict another busy Atlantic hurricane season. Central Florida homeowners must be ready for the worst while hoping for the best. That includes proper hurricane and severe weather preparations.

For some people, thinking about a damaging storm is stressful and overwhelming. No one wants to envision negative consequences. However, not planning at all could put your and your family at risk. Thankfully, there are easy and affordable ways to safeguard your loved ones and belongings. Here’s how to get started:

Plan and Prepare

Proper preparation is key to weathering any storm. That includes creating and stocking an emergency supply kit. At a minimum, such kits should include:

• first-aid (including hygiene considerations)
• adequate food and water to sustain everyone for at least two weeks
• lighting and climate control equipment
• communication devices
• important documents

Well before severe weather strikes, it’s also imperative to perform necessary maintenance to your property. Make sure to:

• remove dead tree limbs
• trim vegetation that could impact your custom home
• clear yard debris
• bring outdoor furniture inside

Once the storm hits, it will be too late for such plans.

In addition, it’s best to have an inventory of items in your home. Include photos with this documentation. This will help you determine insurance values in the event of property damage or loss.

Consider Emergency Procedures

No one wants to think of having to leave their home behind, especially during the threat of severe weather. In the past, however, some Central Florida families have been in mandatory evacuation situations.  

You must first decide whether your family will abandon your property when directed. Should you decide to stay, it’s important to realize that first responders and emergency personnel may not be able to reach you during a life-threatening event.

Your earlier-mentioned preparation should also include packed bags containing essentials for each family member. This makes leaving much easier if you must evacuate.

Get the Whole Family on Board

Along with essential items, it’s also important that every member of the household knows their roles and responsibilities during times of severe weather. Make storm prep a team effort by tasking each person with a unique assignment.

It’s also wise to include emergency contact information and other material such as medical records. In addition, at least one out-of-area contact should be made aware of your family’s severe weather plans. In the event of power loss or separation, this person will be the central point of contact.          

Place a Priority on Safety

Successfully navigating any severe weather situation begins by keeping safety procedures top of mind. Along with the items mentioned in this article, it’s also wise to think of ways you can safeguard your loved ones from any scenario the elements produce.

For instance, today’s custom homes are constructed with storm protection considerations. From impact-resistant windows to hurricane shutters, and more, these structures are created using only the highest quality materials. That gives you the peace of mind that your property and family will be sheltered from a variety of severe weather and emergency scenarios.

For more than 25 years, Vanacore Homes has been proud to be a leader in expertly-crafted custom homes that sustain their structural integrity and beauty throughout the years. A family-owned business, we remember the important connection to loved ones in every build.

Contact us today to learn more about how you can fashion a magnificent custom home tailored to your unique desires and requirements.