With a strong hurricane barreling towards you it is time to get prepared! Here are just a few hurricane tips and tricks for those who may need it. If your local officials tell you to evacuate please take that warning seriously. The ultimate decision is yours!  If you decide to stay in your home please take all precautions necessary to remain as safe as possible.

Most of all, to everyone in the cone of concern, keep yourself and your families safe!

***PLEASE REMEMBER TO NEVER RUN A GENERATOR INSIDE OF YOUR HOME. THAT CAN BE A DEADLY MISTAKE! THE FUMES ARE POISONOUS! KEEP YOUR GENERATOR OUTSIDE FOR YOUR SAFETY AND YOUR FAMILY'S SAFETY!*** 

The most important thing is to be prepared and not scared!

Here are some helpful tips to prepare for a storm when one is coming your way:

1. Start running your ice makers now and bagging the ice in freezer bags. Fill as much space in between your freezer items as you can.

2. Freeze regular tap water for pets, cleaning or drinking in Tupperware-type containers. REMEMBER to leave a small bit of space between the top of the water & the lids so the ice expands but doesn't crack the container.

3. Start using up your perishables to make more room for ice in the freezer.

4. Fill up all vehicles & check tires & oil.

5. Get cash from your ATM, at least enough to get you through tolls and gas out of town. Call your bank if you plan on leaving the state so they don't freeze your card for out-of-area "suspicious" transactions.

6. A MUST for your important documents take screenshots & send to your email. Put originals in sealed bags or plastic bins on the second floor of your house or on the top shelf of a closet.

7. Pet food & supplies; pick up extra for your little furry friends. Find your Vet records in case you need to shelter them at a storm-safe facility.

8. Know your evacuation routes and have plans at the ready. If you need to use them share with family members so they know where you're headed.

9. Consider putting heirlooms, photos, and jewelry in plastic bins stored in a high place, second floor, or safe room. If you evacuate take them with you so you can be assured they are safe.

10. SECURE ALL FIREARMS & AMMUNITION PROPERLY.

11. Old rags & beach towels on your windowsills. Even with the best windows & shutters, water seeping from the wind pressure happens. A few damp towels is better than soaked drywall or floors!

12. Shutter windows and doors and bring everything outside into your garage or house NOW. Do not wait until the day before. Better to get done early and relax than wait until it’s too late, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE MANDATORY PERSONNEL (hospital employee or first responders).

13. If you don't already have your hurricane supplies, flashlights, batteries, candles, non-perishable food stuffs, a transistor radio, extra pet food if necessary, an extra phone charger for your car, and at least some cash on hand, you might want to prepare ahead and do these things well before a storm. Store shelves and gas stations quickly become empty when a storm is approaching.. **If you are evacuating PLEASE remember to turn your main breaker off!**

If you are prepared for any eventuality you will feel safer and calmer when the storm hits!

I can be personally or virtually at your service and would love to assist you with all of your real estate needs! Whether you are buying, selling, or renting, I can assist you with any type of transaction. Feel free to call me or send a text to me on my mobile phone at 954-647-3694 or click on the “Contact Laura” tab on my website. You can also email me to: laura.swanberg@floridamoves.com.