Hurricane season is here. As we all know, hurricanes can bring many hazards to coasts and inland areas, including storm surge, flooding, high winds, and rogue waves. As the season begins, planning and preparing ahead are key elements and can play an important role in safety and recovery after threats subside. It is always suggested to determine the potential hazards and damages that could occur based on your location and have a plan on how to handle them.
At IPC Miami Beach, we have faced numerous hurricanes over the years and have assisted in the early preparation and safety of clients’ homes.
We encourage everyone to plan ahead if major threats arise in your area and to closely follow orders from local authorities. In addition, all weather updates can be followed on NOAA’s weather station or on the website for updates on weather conditions and dangerous storms or hurricanes ahead.
We would like to share with you a 7-step preparedness guide that we execute under ourInclement Weather Preparation and Recovery program:
1. Make a Plan
Plan ahead with your family for the possible arrival of a hurricane in case an evacuation
is needed. If evacuation is necessary, rest assured that we would disconnect all utilities
and take care of the rest of the steps that follow.
2. Gather All Necessary Supplies
We make sure to gather all necessary supplies according to the property’s needs to
secure and protect assets such as sandbags, water barriers, floor coverings, furniture covers, and so on.
3. Secure Your Property Surroundings
Trim large trees and shrubs and bring all outdoor patio furniture, potted plants, bicycles, and toys indoors. Securing outdoor sculpture or any hanging item that could become a projectile or otherwise be dangerous.
4. Hangings and Art Wall
Make sure wall hangings are secure and take notes about your art collection and any existing damage. Make sure that art hung on outside walls is taken inside, elevated off the floor, or taken to an upper level to secure from flooding. We also arrange art to be stored in vaults with controlled temperature and security upon request.
5. Secure Your Vehicles
We make sure to move the cars to higher ground or park them against the garage doors.
6. Power Up
We will fill your car’s gas tank, test generators to make sure they are ready in the event of a power outage.
7. Unplug Appliances
Move appliances and household fixtures away from exterior doors and window openings. Store them in cabinets or interior closets.
8. Rest Assured
We are the last to leave before the storm and the first to show up after. After all, threatssubside, we will return to your property and inspect any damages caused. Then we will start to work on setting everything back to place by mobilizing vendors and our team members to reshape your property as it was as quickly as possible.
Check the “Our Service” page to see the list of services we provide for your peace of
mind.
(*) For more information on how to prepare, visit Miami Dade’s latest post on hurricane season
at: https://www.miamidade.gov/hurricane/library/guide-to-hurricane-readiness.pdf
