10 Ways to Be Ready for Rainy Season

Floridians are masters at taking the good with the bad when it comes to weather. We enjoy winters that bring snowbirds from all over the north to enjoy the sunny skies and warmth. The rough patch we must all get through, however, is hurricane and rainy season.

The best time to prepare for hurricane and rainy season is in advance. That may seem obvious, but so many of us wait until a storm is coming or already here to panic.  Both seasoned and newly transplanted Floridians can benefit from the following tips to ready your family for hurricane and rainy season.

1. Trim and Care for Outdoor Plants: Make sure to trim any branches that are close to windows and the roof. Bring any plants that are fragile or newly planted inside or place under a cover from the strongest rain. Established, native plants should be able to sustain most of the tough Florida weather.
2. Manage Water Levels and Secure the Pool: Learn how your pool drains and if you need to lower the water levels before a storm. It may also be advised to purchase a secure pool cover to keep out debris and acidic rain. After a severe storm, be sure to check the water’s pH before swimming.
3. Organize and Properly Store Important Documents: In today’s age of technology and availability of accounts online, you can limit the number of documents to store. Objects to include are birth and wedding certificates, Social Security Cards, passports, diplomas, and anything else not available online. Be sure to store the documents above flood range and in something moveable in case you need to evacuate.
4. Inventory Your Home: Schedule time to inventory all the valuables in your home. Take pictures of items and label the value and any other pertinent information. Being prepared will make an insurance claim a whole lot easier.
5. Create a Power Outage Survival Kit: Power outages are common occurrences during severe storms. Be ready by putting together a kit with enough food and water for three days as well as candles, matches, flashlights, and extra batteries. If you have children, consider adding a new book or toy they can use during the storm. This could bring some much-needed comfort during a scary situation.
6. Secure Windows: Check all windows to ensure they are sealed properly and not leaking. If it is within your means, consider investing in hurricane shutters.
7. Move or Secure Patio Furniture: Severe weather can wreak havoc on patio furniture. If you have lightweight or fragile patio furniture, move them inside or out of the weather.
8. Buy Extra Propane or Charcoal for the Grill: Grills can provide hot food during power outages and a reprieve from eating room temperature food. If your grill has a side burner, you can easily warm food and make coffee and tea.
9. Enjoy Moments of Nice Weather: The weather during hurricane and rainy season is not always bad. Be sure to take advantage of the nice days (or nice parts of the day) to get outside for some fresh air and rejuvenation.
10. Take a Vacation: This may seem silly, but if you are able to vacation during the worst of the season, you may alleviate some stress. Make sure your home is secure and ready for a storm — then escape to somewhere cooler and less rainy.

We hope these tips help your family stay safe through Tampa’s hurricane and rainy season. Great weather will be right around the corner. Please feel free to call us for real estate advice. Our team specializes in helping Floridians buy and sell homes.  We also enjoy connecting customers with other experts in home matters, home inspections, and interior design. Contact Dick and Karla Nielsen at 813-294-5786 for expert advice today.