Hurricane Preparation is a fact of Life on Florida's Gulf Coast

Perhaps nothing can affect a Floridian's psyche than the onset of Hurricane Season. Today feels like yesterday, looks like yesterday - but it is very different. Today signals the start of that "on the edge" feeling that will last until November. It's not fear, really. Living in a coastal Florida town, the aspect of nature and storms is one we are familiar with. Living with the prospect of a major storm is simply part of the package of living in paradise.

But we are aware. We watch the weather reports more closely. We buy a few more bottles of water on our weekly shopping trips. We are wary, and everyone becomes an expert on storm paths and predictions. Of course, these storms are unpredictable, in many ways. Until landfall, no one knows exactly where they will land...and even a 20 mile differential means the difference between major damage and a stiff breeze.

So, if you are a newcomer, what do you need to do? Here are a few basic tips.

* If your house doesn't have hurricane shutters or windows, consider a trip to the local hardware store to buy plywood. Don't wait until a storm is imminent, as you may then wait in lines for hours and hours and not get what you need.

* Buy batteries, flashlights, gallons and gallons of water, non-perishable food. Candles are dangerous especially with kids and pets, best to rely more heavily on battery power.

* If you can afford a generator, this will be a great provider of peace of mind.

* Know where you will go if asked to evacuate. Consider evacuation even if its not mandated. The prospect of a Category 4 Hurricane is enough to make me want to visit my relatives in Georgia for a few days. Know your routes, have extra gas in safe containers, and leave early. 

* Know your local shelters and resources. Research which take pets, have services for elderly, etc.

Be informed. Watch the news, prepare as recommended, and be vigilant. Sarasota and her keys have largely escaped major storms for 100 years, and scientists think there is a valid scientific reason. Take comfort in that fact, but prepare just the same. 

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True Real Estate buyer agents provide professional real estate services in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key, Bird Key and Saint Armands Key. Use TrueSiestaKey.com for MLS Searchs, Siesta Key Homes for Sale, Condos for Sale and useful community information including Why you should use a Buyer Agent and Mortgage Calculators. True Real Estate, Sarasota Florida, William True, Broker, GRI. (941) 918-1956