How to Prepare Your Orlando FL Vacation Home for a Hurricane

Orlando is blessed with a temperate year-round climate that includes warm, sunny weather. However, much like the rest of the world, we can’t hide from Mother Nature. We do have an established hurricane season from June 1 to November 30th. 

Because Orlando is located right in the heart of Florida, storms are not as common, nor as severe as those that hit coastal cities. And since the hurricane forecasting ability has improved greatly due to advances in technology, we can be proactive instead of reactive if a storm is predicted.

If you own a second home in Orlando, it’s wise to seek a property management firm that takes preventative measures before a storm hits, and necessary actions after the storm to help protect your home.

When the state declares that a hurricane or tropical storm is heading towards Orlando, it can be a stressful situation if you’re not there to adequately prepare. Even when Hurricane Matthew brushed the coast of Florida in October 2016, there was plenty of storm preparation that had to be made in advance. 

A quality property management team will act quickly to tend to the properties they manage before, during and after a storm. The team will notify guests before they’re scheduled to arrive, or even if they’ve already arrived. The manager will monitor ALL updates and warnings in order to keep guests well informed about whether it’s safe to come to Orlando. More often than not, the storm will completely miss the area, but in case it does hit, the property manager will make sure to manage guests’ travel plans appropriately.

If a storm is on track to hit Orlando within 3 days, a property management firm should perform a detailed inspection of your home to document what needs to be fixed (if anything) once the storm has passed. All outdoor furniture should be moved inside and off ground level, and windows should be boarded up. In addition, the manager will likely turn off electrical breakers for large appliances like A/C units and water heaters, in order to prevent any electrical issues from rain or wind. The goal is to execute the hurricane preparation plan before the storm hits, so you can rest assured that your home is adequately protected from the impending storm.

Once the hurricane or tropical storm has passed by, the property management team will visit all properties to assess any damage. If any small damage has been detected, most managers have a maintenance team on hand to make repairs, and landscapers will be sent out to clean up any debris. If any major damage has been detected, the management team will be responsible for getting repairs completed in a timely manner. The goal will be to get your holiday home back in shape to where it was before the storm, so it’s ready to host guests once again.

If you are staying in your Orlando home during a hurricane, here is a preparedness list to keep handy:

Latest Advisories:

  • National Hurricane Center – http://www.nhc.noaa.gov
  • Stay tuned to local news channels
  • www.weather.com

Emergency Management Centers:

    • Polk County: http://www.polk-county.net
    • Lake County: http://www.lakecountyfl.gov/departments/public_safety/emergency_management/
    • Osceola County: http://www.osceola.org/agencies-departments/emergency-management

Make sure your hurricane kit includes: 

  • Flashlights & extra bulbs
  • Battery-operated radio
  • Battery-operated lanterns
  • Batteries (in different sizes!)  
  • Matches 
  • First aid kit
  • Duct tape
  • Rain gear
  • Clock (wind-up or battery-powered)
  • Plastic garbage bags
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Scissors
  • Can Opener
  • Clean clothes
  • Extra blankets
  • Heavy gloves 

Food and Water

Pack non-perishable food for each person for 3-7 days. Also include the following: 

  • Bottled water (1 gallon/person/day) 
  • Bottled juice
  • Two coolers: 
    One for drinks & one for food
  • Canned foods
  • Manual can opener
  • Dry pet food

Medical Needs

  • Medic-alert tags
  • Insect-repellent sprays
  • Feminine hygiene items
  • Sunscreen
  • Soap
  • First aid kit
  • Prescription medication
  • Over-the-counter medication
  • Children’s medicine
  • Bandages
  • Adhesive tape
  • Antiseptic solution
  • Thermometer
  • Tweezers 

Prepare Your Pet

Your pet will need more than a bag of food in a storm. Here are additional supplies to keep handy: 

  • Water for your pet for 3-7 days  
  • Non-perishable food
  • Crate/carrier/tank
  • Leash (non-extendable)
  • Collar and/or harness
  • Favorite Toy
  • Blanket or pillow
  • Clean litter box
  • Updated shots and medical records
  • Microchip with up-to-date contant info
  • Any medications
  • Calming aids
  • Tags
  • Puppy training pads
  • Heartworm preventatives
  • Rain gear

For more information about Orlando vacation homes, contact Team Donovan. We can help you find the newest homes in the area, and advise you about property managers.  Call 407-705-2616 today!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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