Last year, Hurricane Ian caught many Southwest Floridians off guard. Truth be told, we had plenty of opportunities to prepare, starting in the spring when forecasters began releasing predictions calling for an above-average tropical season. Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday gave us a chance to stock up on hurricane supplies. Then, the media used June 1, the start of hurricane season, to remind us about hurricane preparation.
When the National Hurricane Center issued its first five-day forecast cone in advance of Ian, Southwest Florida was directly in the center. The storm’s path fluctuated over the next few days, but we had our warning. Then, Ian unraveled and brought unprecedented storm surge, torrential rain, and devastating winds.
“From Charley and Wilma to Irma and Ian, Southwest Florida seems to be a target for storms,” said Michael Wynn, president of Sunshine Ace Hardware, which operates locations across Southwest Florida that are stocked with hurricane supplies. “Although forecasters are calling for fewer hurricanes in 2023, last year proved it only takes one storm to change lives and change a community. That’s why it is so important to prepare for hurricane season, whether you’re a lifelong Neapolitan or new to Southwest Florida.”
Finally, pay attention to the local news as the storm nears. If an evacuation order is issued for your neighborhood, the safest thing for you and your family is to leave until the storm has passed. For more information, visit www. sunshineace.com.
Below is a guide to help prepare your home and family for hurricane season.
Preparing your home
• Cordless drill and drill bits. Hanging hurricane shutters with a screwdriver or hand tools is hard work and time consuming. Use a cordless drill to speed up the process. Remember to recharge batteries so your drill is ready to remove shutters once the storm passes.
• Wingnuts. Newer homes typically have hurricane shutter fasteners built into the structure. However, it’s easy to misplace the wingnuts used to lock shutters into place.
• Saw. Chainsaws made quick work of post-storm landscaping debris. Those not comfortable with such a powerful tool, though, can use a handsaw to cut fallen limbs into manageable pieces and a rake to corral twigs and leaves.
• Generator. Most generators provide enough power for a portable A/C unit, refrigerator, and light, allowing a family to feel comfortable inside of a room when the power is out.
• Fuel. Purchase and fill multiple 5-gallon gas cans. You’ll need an ample supply of fuel to power a generator. If you have a gas grill, make sure the propane tank is full.
• Tarps. Roofs are built to withstand nature’s fury, but the combination of wind and rain during hurricanes can expose vulnerable areas of a roof structure. Duct tape and heavy items like bricks or tiles can keep tarps in place until a roofer arrives.
• Cleaning supplies. Wind-driven rain can push water through doors and windows that are not sealed and air-tight. Towels or paper towels, cleaning solutions, and a mop can expedite cleanup.
Preparing your family
• Grill. Use a gas or charcoal grill to cook meat and vegetables before they spoil. Make sure you have enough propane or charcoal in reserve.
• Food. Pack food with substance, like beef jerky, tuna, and granola bars, into sealable plastic containers. Make sure you have access to a traditional hand-cranked can opener. Restaurants and grocery stores might have limited service after a storm.
• Water. Buy a case or two of bottled water, along with gallon jugs. Fill up empty water bottles and containers with potable water.
• Cooler. Freezers and refrigerators will keep food cold only for a few hours after the power goes out. Invest in a premium brand of cooler, like Yeti, to protect your food supply.
• Light source. Lanterns can light up a room, while flashlights and candles offer enough light to see your way around the house. Have a wide selection of each.
• Power bank. Portable cell phone chargers are critical to keep you connected when the power fails. High-capacity chargers can power multiple devices at once.
• Battery-operated fan. Once the power fails, room temperatures heat quickly with no A/C. A portable fan keeps the breeze blowing and the body cool.
• Pet food. Keep at least a seven-day food supply for pets, and enough treats and toys to occupy and stave off boredom. Fallen debris and standing water might interrupt their normal exercise routine.
• Entertainment for kids (of all ages!) Gather toys and games that don't require electricity.
• Back up Computer to cloud. Be prepared to evacuate with your desk top hard drive or other devices. Put insurance policies and other important documents in a waterproof/fireproof container.
Waiting until Southwest Florida is within the forecast’s “cone of concern” is risky. Supplies may be limited, and lines may be long. Early preparation is the best way to guarantee your home and family will be prepared for the next storm.
For more information, visit www.sunshineace.com.
Florida's Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday is May 27-June 9 and August 26- September 8. Click here for a list of all tax holidays and what items are tax-free.
