6 Storm Season Tips for Tampa Bay Seniors
-6 Storm Season Tips for Tampa Bay Seniors-
Storm season is upon us, but are Tampa Bay seniors prepared? Whether a snowbird with a condo or a year-round Florida resident, all senior homeowners need a plan to protect property.
First, protect yourself with hurricane kits, a plan of action, and a safe place to go during a storm. Next, our real estate team suggests having a strategy for protecting your home. We have been a trusted resource for local seniors, home sellers, and homebuyers for many years. Now we want to also share our local real estate knowledge for storm season preparedness.
Here are ways seniors and snowbirds can protect Tampa Bay properties:
- Most important, be sure you are covered by insurance. Proper homeowners’ insurance policies as well as flood insurance for your designated flood zone is essential for Tampa Bay area residents in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties. Even if your HOA or 55+ community covers exterior insurance, you will also want to determine the proper coverage for your building contents, assets, and personal items.
- Next, be sure to catalog everything you own. If you are a snowbird, this should be done before you leave for an extended period. Take photos and videos to create a visual inventory of everything inside, outside, and around your home for potential insurance claims. Be sure to save files to “the cloud” or back them up to your e-mail. That way, if you lose your phone or device, you will not lose the files or photos saved on that device.
- Maintain a list of important phone numbers and addresses to have before, during, and after the storm. Using a smartphone or tablet, you may save and bookmark important websites for resources, shelters, maps, and emergency support. In addition to FEMA’s national website, a few other sites we would bookmark include: floodsmart.gov, www.hillsboroughcounty.org, www.pinellascounty.org, and www.pascocountyfl.net.
- Before a storm, create a safe setting at your home. Do this even if you are evacuating or going to a shelter. This can promote the chances of coming home to the most secure and stable environment as possible. Proactive actions would include stocking items in your home like a hurricane supply kit (food, water, batteries, flashlights, etc.) as well as maintaining working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
- Also, don’t forget to clean-up outdoor spaces before a storm. It is important to mitigate the risks of windborne objects that could propel into windows or cause damage. Patio furniture, potted plants, windchimes, bicycles, and outdoor décor should all be stored in a garage or shed. Plan to also have someone help you put up the storm shutters, secure the grill or BBQ in a safe location, and drain water-levels in pools if needed. Snowbirds may want to complete these actions along with shutting off water/power before leaving for a long period.
- Thinking ahead of a storm, consider budgeting for larger projects to help your property weather a storm. Enlist the help of family and ask us for referrals for local service providers to ensure your trees are trimmed, roofs are sturdy, windows are sealed, sheds are anchored, garage reinforcements are in place, and AC systems are bolted well in advance.
Whether you are protecting your home or preparing to move between homes, we can help with referrals and resources. Contact Dick and Karla Nielsen at 813-294-5786.
