Tighten up your storm tool belt

What to do after a storm strikes:

When the skies are clear and the sun is shining, a hurricane seems a thousand miles away. We know it’s no fun to think about the worst case scenario, but with a little forethought and a touch of elbow grease, you can prepare yourself for whatever comes over the horizon.

Make a plan:

• Double-check that your homeowners, windstorm and flood insurance policies are effective.
• Coordinate preparation plans in the event of a storm with your neighbors.
• Take ''before'' pictures of your home and store them in a secure place where you can access them after the storm.
• Develop an evacuation plan so that everyone in your family knows where to go if they are forced to leave.

Prepare your home:

• Safeguard your windows and doors, i.e. if you don’t have wind-resistant windows, consider buying shutters or, as a last-resort, pre-fitted plywood panels.
• If you buy shutters, check to make sure they meet Miami-Dade County wind-resistance standards.
• Standards to look for include SSTD 12-97 or ASTM E 1996-00
• Also, ask about the weight gauge or thickness (the greater the thickness—for aluminum—the stronger the shutter
• Install shutters over large attic wall vents or skylights.
• Consider buying shutters for your doors, especially any door containing a substantial amount of glass.
• Reinforce your garage door and tracks with center supports.
• Wedge sliding glass doors and windows.
• Choose one door, such as a side door to the garage, as an entry and exit point

​What to do after fire has taken place:

• Bring objects that can blow away easily inside, e.g. your mailbox, garbage cans and lawn furniture.
• Anchor down or secure objects that you cannot move, e.g. window air conditioner units.
• Cover valuable indoor furniture with plastic.
• Choose a safe room, preferably an interior hallway or bedroom with no windows, to ride out the storm.
• Keep a mattress and a functional fire extinguisher nearby.