If you’re one of the seasonal residents who spend winter living in a condo near the beach, you’re probably getting ready to pack your bags and head north. Lucky you! You’ve enjoyed the best of Florida’s sunny weather and will escape the muggy summer and fall months, as well as the threat of the dreaded hurricane season.
But before you go, there are a few things you should know. We talked to several local property managers who offered these reminders to get your home prepared for the stormy season:
• Remove outdoor furniture and planters from your balcony.
• If you have hurricane shutters, put them up.
• Empty your refrigerators and freezers of perishable items.
• Turn off the water.
• Put priceless objects away from windows and sliding glass doors.
• Make sure the property managers have a phone number and/or e-mail address so they can reach you to update you on any damage. In larger condos, property managers routinely do a unit-to-unit inspection after a hurricane. They vow to alert residents of any damage.
Then have a safe trip north. If this is one of those years when the hurricane gods frown on South Florida, you can rest assured you’ve done all you could for your Florida home. — Mary Thurwachter
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