Prepare Your Condo for a Hurricane

Are you prepared?

Like all Floridians, we take hurricane preparedness quite seriously. When you live here, residents learn what to do in a weather emergency. Here on Singer Island, where condo living on the sand is the popular choice, buyers should look for hurricane protection features in their residence. They’ll also need to pay attention to condo-specific preparedness concerns.

Hurricane-Impact Glass

When you purchase a condo with “hurricane-impact glass” on sliding glass doors and windows, you’re securing a tremendous benefit for your residence. Windows that are hurricane-resistant or stormproof are constructed with impact-resistant glass treated with a layer of PVB or EVA. While this glass will likely shatter upon impact from flying objects, it generally remains attached to the inner membrane and the window frame. When they break, these windows crack but don't send out flying shards of glass.

This is the kind of feature that provides you with peace of mind, especially if the view is one of the primary reasons you love living in your condo.

Condo-Specific Emergency Preparation

When you live in a condo, you’ll want to be certain that you’ve taken these extra precautions:

• Add towels around the base of doors and windows: Even if your unit is equipped with hurricane windows, the spaces around them may leak if there is a major impact. Placing rolled-up towels at the base helps absorb water.
• Know that elevators may not work: It’s best not to use the elevator during or right after the storm. Power outages can happen at any time. Plan to use the stairs. If you are unable to use the stairs or need assistance, inform the Condo Association before the arrival of the storm.
• Contact your Condo Association before the storm: Once a hurricane arrives, there is limited access to emergency personnel. Phones may not work. Your building managers may not be available during the hurricane. It's best to contact the Condo Association before the storm with any questions or concerns you may have. This is especially important if you are a person with a disability who needs special assistance.

Preparing Your Unit

• Clear patios & balconies.
• Set freezer & fridge to the coldest settings in case electricity is lost.
• Stock up and have several days' worth of food on hand that does not require refrigeration.
• Do a refrigerator and freezer cleanout to avoid rotting food if power is lost.
• Charge your mobile devices. Unplug electronics & appliances.
• Fill your bathtub as a way to store drinking water Protect personal property – move any valuable items away from windows and doors.
• Designate a safe room.
• Shut off the water & electricity if you decide to evacuate.

Other Checklist Items

• Obtain a Local Hurricane Guide.
• Photograph or video your home and valuables.
• Contact your insurance company and ask them what they would ideally like to see in the event of a claim.
• Create a survival kit: At a minimum, freshwater supply, batteries, canned goods, proper identification, important documents, proof of ownership of your condominium, cash, and medications.
• Prepare your vehicle and boat.
• Know your evacuation route.

There are indeed a lot of details to consider for the weather emergencies that can happen here. Preparing for the worst will help you feel more at ease and let you enjoy all of the beautiful weather days here in South Florida.