Storm Preparedness 101 - Be Ready for Anything Wednesday, June 30, 2021

In central Florida, we experience rampaging hurricanes and tornadoes between June and November. Before a hurricane strikes, there are some ways you can prepare to keep yourself, your family, and your belongings safe. Strengthening your home, preparing for power loss, maintaining energy supply kits for your family and pets, and updating your insurance policies are some of the most important things to do before a storm.

At True Builders, we evaluate storm damage and restore residential and business properties in Plant City, Lakeland, Winter Haven, FL, and neighboring communities. Storms have lasting effects on both people and properties, which is why we have compiled a list of ways to prepare so that you can keep yourself, your family, and your home safe.

Storm Preparation Checklist to Keep You & Your Family Safe

There are many things you can do to prepare for an upcoming storm. Here's a checklist of things to do to help you, your family, and your home survive a hurricane, flood, or tornado.

Assess Your Home's Strength & Ability

1. Get a roof inspection to find out if you need repairs before the storm so that you can save your home from water damage.
2. Repair or replace windows or doors that have shown signs of leaks before.
3. Designate a safe spot to store outdoor items that may fly away. For example, keep lawn furniture and toys in a shed or garage, as they can become projectiles that will harm your home or your neighbors.

Prepare Your Home for Power Outages

1. Make sure you have battery-powered and/or solar-powered chargers. We rely on our phones for everything nowadays; make sure you have a power backup for charging.
2. Have lanterns, candles, and flashlights with extra batteries on hand.
3. Install or purchase a backup generator.

Create an Emergency Plan & Kit

1. Purchase or create a disaster supply kit. These should be easy to travel with if you are ordered to evacuate.
2. Create a plan with your loved ones that includes where to meet if you are all out of the house. Designate an emergency contact away from home that you can go to such as an out-of-town aunt or friend. If cell service is out and you can use landlines, make sure you all have the numbers written down.
3. Remember to include your pets in your emergency plan. Add water and their food to your emergency kit and consider their bathroom duties.

Take Your Insurance Info into Consideration

1. Prepare your home, vehicles, and other personal property according to your insurance policies to ensure storm damages are covered.
2. Place your insurance documents and other important information in waterproof containers. Also, take the documents with you if you plan to evacuate.
3. Know your flood risk and flood insurance options. Flooding is one of the main causes of property damage.

In the event of storm damage, we are here for you. Call our specialists today.

It's best to be one step ahead of mother nature. Storm preparedness can reduce your anxiety and potential losses that come with natural disasters. However, if you do find yourself in a situation where storm damage repairs are needed, we are your team. Our trained specialists can come to your home or business to assess damages left by a storm. You can even rely on our 24/7 services.

If your home or business is located in the Plant City, Florida area, including Lakeland and Winter Haven, we can help you assess and repair storm damage. Our team will work with you as well as your insurance provider to find out what is covered under your policy, thus creating a personalized plan of remediation. Call (863) 647-1800 today for any storm remediation needs, or simply add our phone number to your contact list so that our emergency team is a quick phone call away.