In 2022, Southwest Florida will mark five years since Hurricane Irma barreled into Collier County with gusts up to 142 mph and storm surge as high as 8 feet.
Like 2017, weather experts are forecasting another above average hurricane season. Although five years doesn’t seem like much time, so much has changed – a booming population means many Neapolitans have no experience riding out a storm, many younger couples now have homes and children to worry about, and the pandemic has forced everyone to stock up early on hurricane supplies.
“Hurricane prep is critical every hurricane season, but this year, shopping early is the only way to ensure you will have the supplies on hand to weather a storm,” said Scott Hamblen, chief operating officer of Sunshine Ace Hardware, which operates 11 retail locations across the region. “Buying supplies early means you can spend the last 24 to 48 hours before a hurricane preparing your home and family instead of waiting in line at the store or gas station.”
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 stave off boredom. Fallen debris and standing water might interrupt their normal exercise routine.
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 28-June10. Click here for a list of all tax holidays.