9 minute read
Ready or Not? Hurricane Season Begins
With our heads still spinning from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s now time to prepare for the annual hurricane season. From uncertain times to cones of uncertainty, it can all feel a bit overwhelming. Afterall, we have been through a lot recently, and it might seem easier to simply dismiss the upcoming hurricane season as “no big deal.”
However, as Floridians, we know all too well that ignoring mother nature is not a wise tactic. One bad storm in our area can have disastrous repercussions. A Realtor’s® job and professional commitment is to remain prepared and aware of any situation that can potentially impact their customers, homeownership, and the real estate industry.
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will begin on Monday, June 1, and end on Monday, November 30, with storm threats typically peaking in August and September. Forecasters are predicting a very active 2020 hurricane season, with 18 named storms. But it’s important to keep in mind that a major storm can target any part of Florida at any time.
HURRICANE KITS
When was the last time you updated your hurricane kit? It probably hasn’t been the first thing on your mind but, now is the time to update your supplies.
Think of your supply kit in two ways. One, it’s important to create a kit of supplies you could take with you if forced to evacuate. And two, have a kit prepared that will be useful if you are able to stay in your home but are affected by the storm, such as through a power loss. One common trend seen when hurricanes are approaching is a wide-spread panic. If you prepare a kit ahead of time, you can alleviate a lot of the potential stress of a very chaotic situation. We all know what it’s like to find empty store shelves these days. Now is the time to pick up the essentials that you or your customers will need before the rush begins. 2
RECOMMENDED HURRICANE KIT ITEMS IF SHELTERING IN PLACE:
Nonperishable food (enough to last at least 3 days)
Water (enough to last at least 3 days)
First-aid kit (include all prescription medications)
Personal hygiene items and sanitation items
Flashlights (have extra batteries) or candles
Battery operated radio
Extra charging bricks for cell phones
Waterproof container with cash and important documents
Manual can opener
Lighter or matches
Books, magazines, games for recreation
Pet and baby supplies, if applicable
Cooler and ice packs
Have an evacuation plan and “go bag” ready
RECOMMENDED HURRICANE EVACUATION KIT:
Clothes and personal hygiene items (enough to last at least 3 days)
A full gas tank filled before the storm hits
Extra cash
All medications
Important documentation
Nonperishable snacks and water
Extra charging bricks for cell phones
Old fashioned paper map if no cell service
Evacuation plan
EVACUATION READINESS PLAN
Many of us think we know our way around town without too much concern. But what if all the major roadways, and even some of the lesser known back streets are closed, under water, or otherwise unavailable? How many alternate routes do you know? Panic and fear can set in quickly when forced to leave your home in an emergency situation. Be prepared by having several emergency routes mapped out ahead of time. Find out now if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone and be prepared to leave immediately if asked to evacuate. Plan for multiple options of where to go and where to stay if forced to leave your home. If you have pets, make sure you have their up-to-date paperwork, crates, food, etc. and plan for their needs as well.
If you do not live in a hurricane evacuation zone, you still need to be mindful of the possibility of evacuation. Plan for three to four options of where you could go in case of an emergency, including the homes of out-of-town family and friends, and hotels. Map out and know where the emergency storm shelters are located in your area, even if you have no intentions of going to one. If the situation becomes dire, you will need to know where to go with zero hesitation. The unpredictability of a hurricane means that anyone of us could be forced to leave our homes with short notice, so have a transportation plan in place now. 3
HOME AND YARD ASSESSMENT
Now is the time to take inventory of your home and assess your personal hurricane risk. First, take a hard look at your home and your neighborhood. When was your home built? Do you need a new roof, storm shutters, or plywood? Walk around your home and look at your landscaping. Do you have trees that are too close to the house, or dying trees that should be removed? What about basic clutter that could be a projectile in a bad storm? We often have time to prepare for a major storm, but that is not always the case. Consider what actions you can take now before
the storm so that you will be ready. The National Hurricane Center website has some great tools for determining your home’s risk, including wind speeds for your home type and water hazards where you live. For more information, visit www.weather.gov/ wrn/2020-determine-your-risks.
According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), hurricanes are responsible for eight out of the ten most expensive natural disasters to have hit the U.S. High winds and water can have devastating effects on your home and, at worst, rip the roof off your house.
A FEW ADDITIONAL TIPS ON PREPPING YOUR HOME INCLUDE:
1 | Add truss bracing to homes with gabled roofs, which are more prone to hurricane wind damage. 2 | Install impact-resistant windows, doors, and garage doors. These can inhibit high winds that cause structural damage from entering your home. Of course, this requires a financial investment, but features like these can entitle homeowners to a discount on home insurance and increase the value of a home. ORGANIZE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Keeping your important documents safe and secure is good practice in any situation. Examples of important documents include insurance policies, bank statements and account information, wills, driver’s licenses and passports, medical records, marriage licenses and divorce decrees, and any personal documents that cannot be replaced. Make certain that you have electronic copies of everything, securely [ Continued on page 8 ]
backed up and saved. Keep original documents safe in a sealed plastic bag, ready to take with you in case of evacuation. In addition, make sure your insurance policies and personal documents are up to date. If you feel the need for additional coverage, now is the time to update your policies. 4
SHARING RELIABLE INFORMATION
Realtors® have a huge responsibility to their customers to provide only the best information. It’s a relationship of trust that should not be taken lightly. Fear and emotions can get out of control during emergencies and we need to be especially cautious to only share information from reliable sources. Avoid sources that try to create hype or make predictions.
STAYING SAFE AFTER A HURRICANE
With all the preparations and anxiety that lead up to a serious storm, there tends to be an overwhelming relief when it’s over. However, experts tell us that even after the storm has passed, it’s important to be on the alert for possible post-storm dangers. Keep yourself and your customers safe with these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
STAY OUT OF FLOODWATER
Always follow warnings about flooded roads.
Don’t drive in flooded areas—cars can be easily swept away or may stall in moving water.
Wash your hands with soap and water if you have been in floodwater. Floodwater can contain germs, dangerous chemicals, human and livestock waste, wild or stray animals, downed power lines, and other contaminants that can make you sick.
NEVER USE A WET ELECTRICAL DEVICE.
Turn off the power at the main breaker in your house if you have devices that are still plugged in.
Wait for an electrician to check devices before using them.
PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.
Fuel-burning equipment creates carbon monoxide (CO). This can include generators, pressure washers, charcoal grills, and camp stoves. You can’t smell or see carbon monoxide, but if it builds up in your home, it can cause sudden illness and death.
Additional guidelines include being careful near damaged buildings, clean up debris after the storm, drink safe water, and wash your hands regularly (we have certainly heard this advice before!). In addition, check in with your customers, neighbors, the elderly, and the disabled who may need additional assistance after the storm. Some of these tips might seem like second nature for the seasoned Floridian, but for our snowbirds or recent Florida transplants, hurricanes can be scary and overwhelming. 5
CLIENT CARE AFTER THE STORM
After a disaster strikes a community, real estate professionals often find themselves in the role of advisers in helping their current or former customers navigate the terrain of either repairing their home, selling it, or finding temporary corridors. Touch base with all your customers, so that you remain their local expert that they will always turn to. NAR provides a few additional guidelines that could help Realtors® when working with their clients after the storm:
Check in on your customers a soon as possible. Focus first on their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Don’t talk about business, just be friendly and offer to help, if you can.
Once you can begin business again, review all contracts as most have provisions addressing damages that occur to the property prior to closing. Contracts contain provisions addressing what happens when one or both parties cannot perform for reasons beyond his or her control. Typically, the provision holds that such nonperformance is not a default but rather a provision called “Force Majeure” or an “Acts of God” clause.
Review all Force Majeure stipulations with a qualified real estate attorney, as the policies have changed especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consult an attorney if there is any ambiguity as to interpretation of the purchase agreement, compliance with the purchase agreement given the change in conditions, a desire to amend the existing agreement, or a question about compliance with state law.
Advise your client to file a homeowner’s insurance claim if necessary or notify the carrier of any claims as soon as possible. Document and inventory all damages in writing, photos, and video, and keep records of everything spent on repairs and replacements. 5
No matter where you live, we all must deal with acts of nature that could negatively affect our homes, businesses, and families. Floridians know that hurricane season goes with the territory and while it’s nothing to be fearful of, it should definitely be a season of preparation and awareness. Take the time now to prepare your homes, your business, and your customers. Update your contacts, your insurance, weather apps, and gather your supplies. You will never regret the extra steps you take now to make you better prepared to face an emergency later. •
SOURCES: 1 | www.nhc.noaa.gov/ 2 | www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2019/06/ essential-guide-hurricane-preparedness 3 | www.weather.gov/wrn/2020-determine-your-risk 4 | magazine.realtor/daily-news/2018/09/06/real-estate-communityfocuses-on-disaster-preparedness 5 | www.nar.realtor/transaction-guidance-after-natural-disaster
