Hurricanes of all sizes can be dangerous. No matter how serious the storm is, there are guidelines you should follow to stay safe at home. Here are some safety tips to remember during a hurricane:
If you aren't required to evacuate your home, the best place to be is inside and away from windows. Broken glass and flying debris are extremely common causes of injury in severe storms. Reinforcing your windows will help prevent them from breaking and causing more damage, but it's still important to keep a safe distance. Put as many windowless walls between you and the storm as possible by sheltering in an interior closet or bathroom.
There's a good chance your home will lose power during a hurricane, so have a battery-powered or hand-cranked portable radio to stay informed about the situation outside. This will give you a 24-hour connection to the National Weather Service for updates on the storm's path and severity. Stock up on some extra batteries as well so you can remain connected even if it takes days or more to regain power.
If your power hasn't gone out, there might still be situations where you should turn it off yourself. For example, if water gets inside your home either through a broken window or another leak, you should turn off your electricity immediately. Doing so will prevent possible power surges, electrical shocks and fires.
You should also familiarize yourself with how to turn off other sources like water and gas. Turning off your water main will prevent overflowing sinks, toilets and showers. Shutting off your gas will protect you from leaks and the hazards that come along with them.
These are just the basics of staying safe during a hurricane. Formulate a specific emergency plan with your household so you know exactly what to do to prepare and stay safe should a severe storm occur in your area.
Meet Kimberly Jokela:
With a genuine passion in people Kimberly loves helping her clients make their real estate dreams or needs come to life! Specializing in Luxury, Vacation, Retirement or Investment properties.
Born and raised in the midwest in a family with a strong work ethic, filled with creativity & dedication.
Her determination lead her to attend college at the "Philadelphia Performing Arts" where she had the opportunity to follow her passion in the Arts & to travel. Living in California with her husband Rick for 15 years together they built a successful business. After the birth of her beautiful daughter Brittany, seeking a "small town” coastal lifestyle, they took a trip to Naples Florida & fell in love with all it has to offer and made the jump!
With now over 17 years experience as a licensed Realtor serving Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Estero & Fort Myers.
A great listener, negotiator & connector, Kimberly is dedicated to helping her clients looking to BUY their ideal Florida property!
Her warm & friendly personality is present in everything she does on her clients behalf!
Kimberly’s creativity & "out of the box" thinking gives her clients the extra leverage they need when SELLING a property.
Her well organized marketing includes professionally produced photography, video, drone imagery, media presentation in print, numerous online websites & social media!