HURRICANE SHUTTERS with View Ports copy

It may be hard to believe, but Florida is just three months away from the 2023 hurricane season, and Florida homeowners need to keep hurricane protection at the front of their minds. Whether by adding new hurricane windows and/or hurricane shutters to your home or investing in hurricane shutter repair, Naples, FL, homeowners should take action early. Wind Safe Shutters, LLC are hurricane protection experts. Here’s how we advise you to prepare your home and family for a hurricane.

Understand Hurricane Categories

When hurricane season begins, the storm’s strength falls under a category on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. A hurricane warning occurs when weather experts expect a tropical cyclone within 36 hours or less, with 74 MPH or higher winds. Take the time to know what to expect from each hurricane category and respective wind strengths according to the Saffir-Simpson Scale:

  • Category 1: 74 MPH to 95 MPH
  • Category 2: 96 MPH to 110 MPH
  • Category 3: 110 MPH to 129 MPH
  • Category 4: 130 MPH to 156 MPH
  • Category 5: 157 MPH or higher

Knowing what hurricane strength may come your way lets you make the right plan. Hurricane Ian was a Category 4 when it hit Florida. In Collier County, Florida, 3,515 residential and commercial buildings sustained major damage from Ian. Even Category 1 or 2 hurricanes threaten structures, so hurricane protection is vital.

Invest in Hurricane Protection Now and Check Existing Shutters

This “calm before the storm” is the best time to invest in quality hurricane protection for your Florida home. Hurricane protection methods include hurricane shutters, impact windows, hurricane screens, and clear panels. Adding wind mitigation measures to your Florida home can equal valuable home insurance discounts, per state law.

Florida homeowners make a great decision when they choose to protect their homes with hurricane shutters. If you already have hurricane shutters, you’re off to a great start with this upcoming season. However, before the hurricane season starts, check on the condition and appearance of your home’s current hurricane protection methods. Do yours need repair or maintenance? Wind Safe Shutters, LLC offers a variety of repair options for hurricane protection for Southwest Florida homes. We have services for storm shutter repair Naples, FL, homeowners need for:

  • Shutters, Metal or Fabric
  • Accordions
  • Motors
  • Panels
  • Windows

Know When to Evacuate and Have a Plan

Florida features evacuation zones A through F. You must know your zone for an evacuation notice. If the county issues evacuation orders, it broadcasts them via the local news and publishes them on the Florida Disaster website. Evacuation orders occur when “life-threatening conditions are present.” During Hurricane Ian in 2022, the City of Naples issued a mandatory evacuation order for Zone A. Be sure you know your evacuation zone and have a plan ready if the time comes. Getting your supplies together now will be much easier than waiting until a hurricane warning goes into effect.

Your plan should include the following:

  • A list of evacuation shelters, if needed
  • Phone numbers of friends and family kept in a safe place
  • Paper products, such as paper towels and toilet paper
  • Pet supplies, including a carrier, leash, shot record, and medications
  • Toiletries and hygiene products
  • Tarps and tools
  • Battery-operated radio
  • Candles and waterproof matches
  • Non-perishable food such as packets of tuna or chicken, crackers, peanut butter, instant soup, shelf-stable milk, etc
  • Can opener

Don’t Skip Water Storage

Water is one of the most crucial needs during a hurricane and should be one of the top supplies you gather. Get your water supplies together now, so you’re ready if a hurricane interrupts or disturbs water service in the future. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises you store “1 least gallon per person per day for 3 days,” but a 2-week supply is best. Harvard Medical Center says homeowners can store ultra-pure distilled water almost indefinitely if kept in a cool, dark area. However, ensure you read and adhere to any store-bought water expiration dates.

Prepare for Floods

Hurricanes and tropical activity often feature two significant threats: wind and flood. If you have storm shutters and other forms of hurricane protection, you can withstand heavy winds, but flooding can also take its toll. Flooding, however, may affect your home thanks to heavy rains, storm surges, or your house’s location in a low-lying area.

If you’re new to Florida, you should know your flood zone according to the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) map. Even if you’ve lived in Naples or the surrounding area for a while, it’s a good idea to refresh your flood threat knowledge. FEMA also recommends reinforcing your windows and doors with storm shutters or impact windows if you haven’t already. Storm shutters and impact windows help protect against flooding because they minimize the chance of your window breaking during a hurricane and heavy rain.

The Experts in Hurricane and Storm Shutter Repair, Naples, FL Homeowners Trust

All eyes will be on Florida during the 2023 Hurricane Season as the Sunshine State continues to rebuild after the devastation of Hurricane Ian. Ensure your home is well-protected against whatever the season brings with quality hurricane shutters, storm shutters, or impact windows. Wind Safe Shutters, LLC is a leading provider of hurricane protection in Naples, Marco Island, and the surrounding area. We’re ready to help you prepare your home for the 2023 season and beyond.