Hurricane Preparedness in Pensacola, Florida

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane Season is Here! Are you Prepared?

Residents of the Florida Panhandle know all too well the importance of being prepared for Hurricane Season, which officially began on June 1^st.  The past couple of years have produced a higher-than-average number of named and major tropical systems, and 2021 is projected to follow that same trend. So, what are some steps that you can take to prepare your property, whether residential or commercial, for the possibility of another active storm season?

1. Clear all loose debris from your property. Debris can quickly become dangerous during a storm, with high winds turning materials into projectiles.  Trimming trees, removing fallen limbs, and storing lawn furniture in a safe location are all some ways to help reduce this risk.
2. Clean out your rain gutters. Clogged rain gutters will allow water to pool on top of your roof, increasing the possibility of a leak or intrusion.  Many tropical systems bring with them a heavy amount of rain, so avoiding this pooling is extremely important for helping protect your property.
3. Consider installing storm shutters. Storm shutters are designed specifically to protect your windows from intense weather conditions.  This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of water and debris intrusion, limiting the chance for interior property damage.
4. Check your insurance policy. If you home or business does suffer damages, it is important to know what is, or is not, covered by your insurance.  For example, flood insurance is often a separate policy, so flood damages may not be covered by a standard policy.

Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe during a Hurricane or Tropical Storm is the number one priority.  Always follow the direction of local and state officials concerning evacuations and precautions.  If your home or business does incur storm damages, know that the professionals at SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County have the training, equipment, and experience to cleanup and restore damages of all sizes.  To learn more, or schedule service, please give us a call at 850-466-3089.