Ready for Hurricane Season?
Rachael Eslao • May 14, 2021
Hurricane Season in Bonita Springs Will Kick-off Soon. Are You and Your Home Prepared?
Florida will soon be experiencing hurricane season, and whether it is the first time for you or if it is your twentieth, now is the time to prepare yourself, your family, and your home for it! Here's an easy checklist to get you ready for the upcoming season!
- Stock up on supplies. Make sure you have plenty of water, food, and other essentials stored away. Consult FEMA’s hurricane season tips for more information.
- Check for leaking. Make sure that there are no openings in your doors, windows, or walls that may allow water to enter the house.
- Prepare for extended outages. Consider buying a generator. It doesn’t have to be the whole-house version. Even one that’s big enough to run a refrigerator and power a few other essentials. Consider what you could not live without in the event of an electric outage – such as a sump pump or well pump – and select a model that meets your unique needs.
- Trim trees and shrubs. Consider trimming back branches that rub your roof. They could pull parts off in the event of a storm. Keep trees well-trimmed so wind passes through with no damage. Think about regrading around trees to strengthen the ground and give roots something to hold.
- Clean the gutters. It will prevent the possibility of roof damage and the risk of flooding inside your home.
- Clear clutter. Things you no longer need can become projectiles, so move them inside. Bring lightweight outdoor items like patio furniture, toys, and trash cans inside.
- Secure your home. It is highly recommended to install window shutters, roof clips, garage door braces, and anchor fuel tanks as well. Make sure all items are professionally installed.
- Verify insurance coverage. Ensure you have sufficient flood insurance if needed through your homeowner's policy or by purchasing additional flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
- Have a plan. You and your family should plan ahead now on where to go when a storm comes. Include a safe escape route, the location of official shelters, and a safe place to meet if separated. Don’t forget your prescription medicines and plans for your pets!
Restoration1 of Southwest Florida can help you after a hurricane hits with professional storm or flood clean-up. Don't wait, contact us today for help restoring your home.
As the busy winter months wind down, many seasonal residents leave their Southwest Florida homes behind for the summer. With the Fort Myers off-season, however, comes intense heat, high humidity, and frequent storms — conditions that make vacant homes particularly vulnerable to water damage and mold growth. When no one's around to spot early warning signs, small issues can escalate quickly. That's why preparing vacation homes for the Fort Myers off-season is crucial for preventing water and mold issues. Why Your Vacant Fort Myers Home Is a Target for Mold and Water Damage Florida's climate creates the perfect environment for mold, especially during the humid off-peak season. When a vacation home sits empty, everyday systems that usually get attention, or simply benefit from regular use, go unnoticed. In an occupied home, you'd quickly spot a small puddle under the sink, notice a musty smell, or hear a dripping sound. In a vacant home, these things can go undetected for weeks or even months. Since no one is present to catch warning signs early, use systems regularly, and maintain regular air circulation, small issues have more time to spread. High humidity accelerates mold growth, and a lack of airflow allows moisture to linger. Taking steps to prevent mold in your vacant Florida home is the best defense against costly repairs and insurance headaches. Your Pre-Departure Checklist for a Mold-Free Off-Season While winterizing Florida vacation homes is a key part of snowbird home preparation in Fort Myers, the summer off-season requires a different approach. Off-peak Florida seasonal home preparation significantly reduces the risk of moisture intrusion, system failures, and mold growth. Before locking up and heading north, conduct a thorough walk-through of your property to help safeguard it inside and out. Interior Preparations for a Healthy Home Inside the home, focus on controlling humidity, eliminating potential water risks , and reducing conditions that promote mold growth: HVAC and humidity control: Avoid turning the AC completely off. Set your thermostat to around 78-80° Fahrenheit with humidity control at 50%-55%. Have your HVAC system serviced, and make sure condensate lines are clear to prevent dripping or backups. Plumbing and water sources: Shut off the main water supply to prevent leaks from burst pipes or failed toilets. As an extra precaution, consider draining the water lines. Appliance care: Empty, turn off, unplug, clean, and prop open refrigerators. Run a cleaning cycle on dishwashers and washing machines, and leave their doors open — keeping appliances dry discourages mold and mildew. Exterior and Structural Safeguards Exterior vacation home maintenance in Fort Myers helps defend against water intrusion caused by storm damage: Roof and gutter inspection: Repair loose shingles, clean gutters, and confirm that downspouts move water away from the home. Windows and doors: Seal gaps, replace failing weather stripping, and verify that all openings are watertight. Landscaping: Trim trees and shrubs away from the house to prevent moisture buildup and minimize the risk of storm damage. Protect Your Home All Off-Season With Professional Support By taking these preventive measures, you can enjoy your time away, knowing your home will remain dry and secure throughout the off-season. If you suspect hidden moisture, notice musty odors, or want a thorough inspection before you leave, expert help can give you even more reassurance. Restoration 1 of Southwest Florida specializes in water damage restoration and mold remediation tailored to Florida's climate. Our trained technicians provide inspection, repairs, and mold removal to help protect your home year-round. Contact us today to schedule your inspection or service.
How to Prevent Mold in Florida Homes: A Homeowner's Guide
If you’ve experienced water damage, don’t ignore the warning signs. Contact Restoration 1 of Southwest Florida today for a thorough inspection and professional restoration services. Protect your home, health, and investment by taking action now.
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