When you make your home on the Florida coast, you know that hurricanes are something that you have to live with – and prepare for. While Hurricane Irma packed a wallop in 2017, fortunately the Naples Pier remained almost completely intact, and tests showed that water in Lee and Collier counties was safe to swim in. Though there was a certain amount of beach erosion in Naples, the local government quickly took action to remedy the situation.
Irma was far from the first, nor will it be the last, so how do you make sure that your Naples waterfront home is hurricane-ready? Here are a few tips:
- Plan ahead
Take a good look at your property and figure out how to make it a safer place. Try visualizing a hurricane and how it might affect your outdoor living spaces. Taking down hanging plants, putting away outdoor furniture, and keeping your yard free of debris and litter can go a long way in protecting your house from a hurricane. - Buy supplies
Keep an emergency preparedness kit on hand. This typically needs to include potable water, non-perishable or easy-to-prepare food, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and spare batteries. You should also include medications, if you take any, as well as toiletries and sanitation items.If you have pets, assemble a pet emergency kit that includes food, drinking water, bowls, litter, and doggie bags or litter pans. It would be better too, if you can include toys and pet beds.
- Check insurance
Check your insurance coverage, since flooding isn’t typically covered by your average homeowners’ insurance. Naples falls under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which means all residents are qualified to apply for flood insurance. Otherwise, you’ll have to cover for your losses out of pocket.Keep in mind that flood insurance is required under the following circumstances:
- Your home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
- You have a mortgage that is federally backed or Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)-insured on a home located within SFHA
- You have gotten federal grants for flood-related losses in the past and you want to qualify for future assistance
A flood insurance policy covers the following:
- Debris clean-up
- Structural damage on walls, floors, ceilings, stairways, and so on
- Appliances damaged by flood water
- Tiles, carpeting, and other various flooring surfaces
The policy can also cover the following:
- Furniture
- Collectibles and works of art
- Shoes, clothing, and jewelry
- Invest in hurricane retrofits
Your home is more vulnerable when your roof straps and clips are out of alignment. The same goes for hurricane shutters that need replacing. Retrofitting your home will strengthen it and make it more hurricane-ready. - Have a power generator
Power outages aren’t uncommon during hurricanes, so having a generator will make your post-hurricane experience a better one. Hurricane season in Florida typically falls between June and November, so make sure to have your backup power generator installed in time for it.
Looking for more info on living and owning a home in Naples? Verona Walk Realty will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call Victor Cuccia at 239-417-3300 or send an email to Vic(at)VWRnaples(dotted)com.