Living in Florida means that weathering a hurricane is a very likely possibility. Our state has suffered more direct hurricane hits than any other, and even if we aren’t directly hit, it’s often possible to just get a passing-through storm. When hurricane season approaches, it’s important to be well-prepared with home storm protection to minimize possible damage to your property.
There are various essential items it’s important to stock up on in case the worst happens, which is why Alufab USA has this blog post: to inform you what you need to stock up on now! So if you’re looking for affordable hurricane items to purchase ASAP, this one’s for you!
What Hurricane Supplies to Collect in Case of Disaster
Canned Food and Openers
This should go without saying: have at least 3-4 days’ worth of canned food and other non-perishables stocked up in case your fridge quits working. Think canned meat and vegetables, cereal, crackers, peanut butter, and powdered milk. It’s best to get them in bulk, and it shouldn’t be a huge cost. Of course, don’t forget to get a can opener with it—after all, what good are they if you can’t get them opened? Make sure it’s sturdy and strong! Plus, have at least 3 gallons of water per person per day for no less than 3 days available. After a hurricane, it may be impossible to drink water from the tap.
Important Documents
If they’re important, you should probably keep them safe. Make copies of bank account info, various insurance policies, and other financial and identifying information and put them in a waterproof container. After all, replacing them could cost a huge amount of time and money, so having them somewhere you can easily grab them is vital.
First Aid Kit
These are easy to get virtually anywhere: try your local drugstore or the American Red Cross. If you’re making your own kit, include pain meds such as aspirin and ibuprofen, gauze rolls, cotton balls, scissors, antibiotic, bandages, tweezers, etc. Also, make sure to have any prescription medication nearby!
Stock Up on Other Necessities
Think of things like gas (it will likely be rationed in the case of a hurricane) or a map (as you won’t have access to your phone GPS.) Keep a flashlight that you can recharge, with extra batteries. Have matches handy so you can light your candle or your stove, and make sure to keep them in something waterproof. Get a power bank, so you can give your phone some juice in an emergency. And most importantly, keep a radio! It’s the best way to keep up with the news and safety alerts. Make sure it’s battery-powered or hand crank so you can use it in a pinch.
Plastic Sheets
After the hurricane has passed, you’ll want to have plastic sheets or tarps so you can cover any holes or damages in the roof. While just a temporary fix, it’s better than being exposed to the elements. It’s important to make sure the tarps you want to use are sturdy.
Home Storm Protection
Hurricane Shutters
You should consider installing hurricane shutters or storm panels. What they do is protect your window and doors from the high wind speeds and stray debris. During previous hurricanes, much damage came from window failure, which can in turn lead to interior wall failure. All of this can be prevented by having a sturdy hurricane shutter in place.
Impact Windows and Doors
Impact-resistant windows and doors come with laminated glass. They reduce the chance of an impact during a windstorm or hurricane by keeping air pressure out and securing your home. They also provide protection from exterior noises and burglary.
Colonial Shutters
When colonial shutters are open, they give your house an elegant, rustic charm. Close them in a jiffy, and you’ve got protection from hurricane weather. They are hurricane code-approved and are easy to install on your existing home. Not only do they function as protection from hurricanes, but they’re also great as an intruder deterrent!
Purchase Hurricane Protection with Alufab USA
It’s important to stock up on all these supplies ASAP—and when it comes to choosing storm panels or other protective items for your house, we’d recommend coming to us at Alufab USA for the best hurricane protection supplies in the Fort Myers area. As a small, local business, we strive to give our customers a superb experience, so we’d love to prove that to you.
If you want to get in touch with us, give us a call at 239-842-7904. We’d love to schedule a free in-home consultation so we can explain the benefits of the different hurricane protection services and products we offer, so we look forward to hearing from you!