Hurricane Season Is Almost Here! Are You Prepared? - (321) 956-2495 STAGE it RIGHT!

Hurricane season starts today and it promises to be an active one. Here are some things you need to do now to prepare:

1. Photograph everything you own. Open drawers, closets, storage containers, you name it and take pictures. Make sure to include all furniture, electronics, appliances etc. On the back of each picture write the approximate cost of the major items and when purchased. It will save you hours and hours and hours of time should you have a claim, trying to recreate what you own and what it cost.

2. Have at least two sets of photographs. Keep at home sealed in triple zip lock bags in the fridge. The fridge is waterproof and pretty much fire proof. Or put them in a fireproof safe. The second set should be in the safe deposit box at the bank.

3. Have duplicate copies of all important papers such as insurance policies, bank account information, wills, deeds, birth certificates, marriage certificates, whatever you have that you may either need immediate information from or would take weeks to replace through government agencies. One copy of each goes in the fridge or fireproof safe.

4. Should you have to evacuate take one copy of photographs and documents with you and lock the other copy in the dishwasher! Yes the diswasher. Its fireproof, waterproof, is under the counter and protected from falling debris. A fireproof safe is not usually waterproof. If you don't evacuate still put your documents in the dishwasher. And make sure you run the dishwasher in plenty of time for it to dry out.

5. Make sure to have lots of water, batteries, candles, non-perishable food, pet food, medications, personal care items, anything you can think you might need to survive several days without electricity. Have a full propane tank or extra charcoal for grill cooking. Store everything that can be damaged by water, in tight storage containers. Freeze half gallon bottles of water now for use when the electricity goes out.

6. If you have pets make sure you have carriers handy. Animals tend to freak out in a hurricane. Putting everyone in a carrier keeps them safe and secure.

7. Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage and a replacement cost rider on your personal possessions. If you have a 5 year old fridge that cost $1000, without replacement cost that amount will be depreciated by 5 years, not enough to replace it.

8. Make your house as hurricane proof as possible. Shutters, garage door braces, a roof less than 10 years old. Most of the damage done by two hurricanes in 2004 was water damage due to roof shingles that were worn out. If you are considering a new roof, consider spending the extra money and have a hurricane proof metal roof put on. No worries about shingles blowing off!

9. Consider an alternative power source, other than a noisey polluting generator. Portable solar panel systems which recharge 12v batteries are an inexpensive alternative. Add to that a power inverter and you can run regular appliances using only the power of the sun.

Good luck to us all!