Hurricane season is well underway from now until the end of November. Florida is no stranger to the heavy rains and winds associated with tropical storms and hurricanes, so many are already preparing for the threat of a storm. Ten to 15 fully formed storms are expected this year, so being properly prepared for a potential landfall. While getting your home and family ready for hurricane season, be sure not to forget these four steps. 

#1: Test Your Generator 

Having a diesel generator in Miami can be a lifesaver during hurricane season. Damaged or downed powerlines can take days to weeks to repair and the extreme heat is overwhelming without the relief of air conditioning or fans. Heat stroke and other heat-related health events are a serious risk post-hurricane, especially for young children or older adults. A generator can help to offer some relief as well as power important appliances like your refrigerator. For families that rely on medical equipment, a diesel generator can help prevent medical emergencies following a storm. 

#2: Trim Back Trees 

Don’t wait until a hurricane is headed our way to do external home preparation. Get any overhanging trees near your home trimmed early to avoid serious damage caused by swinging branches or fallen trees. Trimming branches removes extra weight that can lead to broken branches and flying hazards. With less weight, your trees are more flexible and less likely to fall and cause catastrophic damage to your home or property. 

#3: Secure Important Documents 

Hurricane season carries an inherent risk for flooding and water damage. Even if you are confident your home is protected against flooding, securing important documents like birth certificates, deeds, insurance documentation, and identification is still a great idea. On the off chance that your home is flooded, laminated copies kept in a water-proof storage unit will help you get your life back on track. In the chaos following a hurricane, trying to replace certain documents may take much longer than usual. In cases where you need documents to make an insurance claim or get benefits, this can put you in a serious bind. Better safe than sorry! 

#4: Check Expiration Dates on Non-Perishables 

Having access to non-perishable food during and after a hurricane is vital since loss of power can make perishables unsafe to eat. Now that hurricane season is here, go through your cabinets and pantry and check the expiration dates on those cans and jars. Make a note of what things will carry you through hurricane season and get rid of expired food. Once you’ve cleared up some space, take a trip to the grocery store and get replacements for the things you tossed. Buying non-perishables now can save you a headache should a storm approach because you won’t need to rush to the store last minute. Plus, even if no hurricanes make landfall this year, those non-perishables can easily become sides for dinner. 

Having a diesel generator in Miami can also save you money when it comes to food. Plugging your fridge into a generator as soon as you can following power loss can keep food safe and consumable. Be sure to cook any raw meat thoroughly before consumption. If your refrigerator is without power for more than two hours or warm when you open the door, dispose of any food to avoid illness. 

Be safe this hurricane season. Contact Pantropic Power now for information about how a generator can help.