Hurricane season in the United States lasts from June to November, six months of the year. Knowing the steps to take towards hurricane prep is essential for homeowners to keep themselves, and their families, safe. Whether staying home or evacuating to a safer location, Express Air Conditioning & Heating has many tips to keep Crestview citizens safe this hurricane season.
Hurricane Season
In Florida, hurricane season lasts from mid-August to late October. During this time, hurricane prep is a major priority for Crestview citizens. Prepping the necessary supplies will help keep people one step ahead of any possible storms.
After a hurricane is announced, planning involves where to evacuate if necessary and gathering items and information for both during and after the storm.
Preparing For A Hurricane
Preparing hurricane essentials requires a lot of hard work and thought. To start, make lists of medications, important phone numbers, valuables, and any potentially helpful tools that you may need in the case of an emergency.
Staying informed on updates and evacuation orders is also essential for remaining safe during hurricane season. Any concerns can be addressed to the emergency information management office, which can be contacted here for Florida.
If you have window ac units or portable air conditioners remove the units and ducts and seal any openings with discharge ducts that exhaust outside.
What Do You Need During A Hurricane?
Below is a list of hurricane essentials, most of which are necessary regardless of whether evacuation orders have been issued or not:
- First aid kits, medical supplies, and pet care items
- Access to a relative’s house or public shelter if evacuation is necessary
- A vehicle with a full gas tank
- On hand cash in case banks and ATMs become unavailable
- Medical alert tags or bracelets identifying disabilities
- Sturdy, waterproof clothing and shoes
- Cookware and eating utensils
- Non-perishable food (enough to last three to seven days)
- Water (enough to last three to seven days, roughly one gallon of water per person per day)
- Radio, flashlight, and batteries
- Waterproof containers for storing important documents
Keeping Your HVAC Units Safe
If you have an HVAC unit, multiple measures have to be taken during a hurricane. Follow this easy six-step guide to ensure its safety during a storm:
- When the storm is first announced, examine the system for leaks. Leaks can potentially cause water damage; being exposed to hurricanes that bring heavy rain and potential flooding will greatly increase this risk. To ensure that your system is leak-free, schedule professional HVAC maintenance.
- If possible, elevate the outside unit to prevent flooding. Not sure if your outside unit is elevated enough? Enlist a technician to assist in putting the unit at a height that ensures no damage.
- Clear any debris away from the outside unit. Leaves and plant materials can clog up HVAC systems, making them malfunction and leaving you unable to use your AC after the hurricane.
- Cover your outdoor AC or condensing units with a tarp or plywood to protect them from flying debris, damaging effects of storms, and water damage.
- If possible, secure outdoor AC units with hurricane straps to further protect them from high winds.
- Right before the hurricane starts, turn off your HVAC unit at the main circuit breaker or thermostat. Lightning can cause electrical surges that can potentially make the AC’s wiring spark and catch fire, possibly destroying the system.
Ready to be prepared for hurricane season? Stock up on supplies, stay informed, and schedule an appointment with Express Air Conditioning & Heating today to ensure your HVAC unit is ready.
