Pre-Hurricane Preparation Checklist for Tenants

General Preparations

• Secure Outdoor Items:
  Bring inside any outdoor furniture, grills, potted plants, and other loose items that could become projectiles in high winds. Store garbage bins, garden tools, and yard equipment in the garage or shed to prevent them from being blown away.
• Check Emergency Supplies:
  Stock up on essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, and any necessary medications. Ensure you have enough supplies to last at least 3-5 days in case of power outages or limited store access.
• Charge Electronics:
  Fully charge your mobile phones, laptops, and backup power banks ahead of time to ensure you can stay connected even if the power goes out.
• Prepare Important Documents:
  Gather your important documents—such as IDs, insurance policies, and lease agreements—and store them in a waterproof container to protect them from water damage.
• Take Photos for Insurance Purposes:
  Take before pictures of your personal belongings, especially valuable items, to document their condition in case of any potential damage. These photos may be helpful for insurance claims.
• Plan for Evacuation (If Needed):
  Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and shelter locations in your area. Follow any evacuation orders issued by local authorities promptly to ensure your safety.

Home-Specific Preparations

• Homes with Pools:
  Do not drain your pool completely. Instead, lower the water level by about 1-2 feet to accommodate rainwater and prevent overflow. Be careful not to expose the pool to structural damage. Turn off the pool pump and equipment to protect them from power surges.
• Homes with Garages:
  Ensure your garage door is fully closed and locked. If possible, brace the garage door from inside to prevent it from blowing inward during the storm. Move your vehicle into the garage or to a safe location away from trees and power lines.
• Protect Important Belongings:
  Move valuable or fragile items to higher ground within your home to protect them from potential flooding. Consider placing furniture on blocks or relocating items to upper floors if flooding is a possibility in your area.
• Unplug Electronics:
  Unplug all non-essential electronics before the storm arrives to prevent damage from power surges.
• Refrigeration:
  Set your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings to keep food fresh for as long as possible in the event of a power outage. Place bags of ice in the freezer to help maintain cold temperatures longer.

Pet Safety Plan

• Prepare for Pets:
  Make sure your pets are indoors and have enough food, water, and any required medications to last throughout the storm. If evacuation becomes necessary, be sure to bring your pets with you to a pet-friendly shelter or make alternate arrangements.

By following these steps, you can help protect your home, personal belongings, and loved ones from the potential impacts of Hurricane Milton. For more detailed guidance and additional resources, please check back on our website regularly as we continue to update information for both tenants and owners.

Stay safe!
The Verandah Properties Team