Hurricane protection is important for those who live in Jacksonville because of the frequency of storms that hit the area. Being prepared and installing some basic modifications to a home can save residents money while keeping them safe.
The city of Jacksonville is hit by a hurricane every two and a half years on average, and tropical storms also often pass through the area. Some hurricanes, such as Hurricanes Dora, Tammy, and Andrea, cause very serious damage to the city and its buildings and homes. The following are some hurricane protection tips that Jacksonville area residents can use to be more prepared during hurricane season.
Stock Up
When hurricanes approach Jacksonville, they can come very quickly because of the nearby Atlantic Ocean and St. Johns River. Because of this, it is important to have the appropriate supplies on hand throughout the year. All Jacksonville area residents should stock their homes with batteries, a portable radio, a First Aid kit, flashlights, bottled water, and non-perishable food. When a hurricane or tropical storm hits Jacksonville, the city becomes flooded very quickly due to the city’s very low land levels. This means during hurricane time, one can expect to become temporarily housebound and should have enough food and water stocked in their home. It’s also helpful to have some plywood on hand to board up windows when the storm approaches.
Many Jacksonville residents have a backup generator in their homes. Although they are quite expensive, backup generators can provide peace of mind and much-needed electricity during Jacksonville’s more tumultuous storms.
Plan for the Worst
Every Jacksonville resident should have an evacuation plan in mind. Experts recommend that all Jacksonville residents know where their designated evacuation place is located. Also, residents should designate a evacuation room in their homes, usually a bathroom or another room centrally located in the home and without windows.
Make Changes
Many homes in Jacksonville, particularly those that line the Intracoastal or Atlantic Ocean, already have hurricane shutters and storm panels that are attached to the windows and doors. Most new homes in Jacksonville also have impact-resistant windows for extra protection.
However, there are many homes in Jacksonville that are older. For example, some homes in the Riverside and Avondale areas of Jacksonville date back to the turn of the century. For these homes, homeowners should consider replacing the windows and doors with impact-resistant alternatives to increase safety. As a bonus, it often helps with the energy efficiency in a home.
Nearly all Florida natives know how important it is to be prepared for hurricane season. For those new to the area, following these hurricane protection tips can help make Florida living even more enjoyable and less stressful.
Photo Source: Flickr, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center http://www.flickr.com/photos/gsfc/8971786421/sizes/l/in/photolist-eENKwM-b7Lpdp-b3kZQx-bgjbtV-dcNg6n-gVvnZ-4KiaS-b2VMcT-eFGiua-2qgeSk-eMP82K-bpmqyi-bpmqDk-aGC8y8-aGBMsg-aGBNwg-6rfW8U-bft51a-aGC95p-6rbLSt-eETEs5-6rbMiF-6rbM9a-6rfWvs-eFcoHV-aN7Gf6-eTDh7f-aR
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