Naples Hurricane Prep 101

Huricane 101 - Prep but Don’t Freak Out

The news channels in Southwest Florida do a great job of educating us about storms and how and why they move the way they do.  They also tend toward a little bit of drama, and if you leave your tv on all day you will be convinced that the world is ending.  

1.  In the days leading up to the storm, I only follow Wayne Sallade and Denis Phillips on Facebook.  They are low-drama and fact based.  The National Hurricane Center updates are released every 3 hours starting at 5am - so if you just check in with their pages every few hours you will have all the information you need.  

2.  If we are five days out from a storm, you will want to stock up on water, snacks and gas up the car. 

3.  The actual hurricane is usually not the worst part - it’s the days and weeks after where you may not have power or clean water.  When evacuation orders are issued many people think they can ride out the storm.  Living in 90+ degree weather with no power for 10 days is the best reason to leave.  We saw many people who rode out hurricane Irma, and left two days later because it’s HOT here with no AC.  Also - if you are in an evacuation zone and don't leave - there will not be emergency services available to you.  That means fire or EMTs.  

4.  Many of our lift stations for the sewer system in Collier County lost power during hurricane Irma and we could not do laundry or use the dish washer for at least a week after Irma.  Your hurricane kit should include lots of paper plates and plastic silverware.  You can use water from your pool to flush the toilet - have a pail ready in case those lift stations go.  

5.  We put our water bottles in the freezer, and also fill up all of our food storage containers with water and freeze those before the storm - then if you lose power they will keep your fridge cold longer and you can thaw them as you need them. 

6.  Write a "Go" List or Grab List in the notes on your phone.  During Hurricane Ian in 2022 a mandatory evacuation was issued at the VERY last minute - as the storm was approaching the coast.  If you have to go in a hurry - have a list ready of what to grab - medication, glasses, pet food, phone chargers, etc.  We hear so many stories of people in this situation walking out of the house with a fork and curling iron because they are in shock.  Having that list ready will help a lot.  

7.  Charge any device that provides light. Laptops, tablets, cameras, video cameras, and old phones. Charge external battery back ups. (Glow sticks also provide light for a few hours. Stand them upright in a glass or jar to make a lantern.)

8.  Wash all trash cans, big and small, and fill with water for flushing toilets.

9.  Fill old empty water bottles and other containers with water and keep near sinks for washing hands.

10.  Fill drinking cups with water and cover with Saran Wrap. Store as many as possible in fridge. The rest you can store on the counter and use first before any water bottles are opened. Ice is impossible to find after the storm.

11.  Wash all dirty clothes and bed sheets. Anything dirty will smell without the A/C, you may need the items, and with no A/C, you'll be sweating a lot. You're going to want clean sheets.

12.  Bring in any yard decor, secure anything that will fly around, secure gates, bring in hoses, potted plants, etc. Bring in patio furniture and grills.

13.  Make sure you have cash on hand. Credit cards won't work if the power is out.

14.  Run your dishwasher, don't risk having dirty smelly dishes and you need every container for water! Remember you'll need clean water for brushing your teeth, washing yourself, and cleaning your hands.

15.  If you can, take a video of your house and contents....walk room to room--open cabinets/drawers and closets.  This will help if you need to make a claim later.  It will show proof of items and help you list all the items (help your memory, so you don't forget anything)...I highly recommend!!!

16.   Anything that you want to try and preserve, but you can't take with you---place it in a plastic bin and put in your dishwasher, lock the door---this should make it water tight in case of any water intrusion into your home.

The most important thing to remember to not freak out - while hurricanes are no fun - most of the homes in our area are built to the Miami-Dade hurricane code and we will get through it together.  We always do.