Expert Contributor | The Real Estate Collection, Windermere Lakefront
Hurricane season has a strange reputation in Florida. Those on the coasts know how dangerous the storm surge can be and must be ready to evacuate for a serious hurricane.
During the same storm, however, Central Floridians are hosting “hurricane parties,” playing in the rain, and sharing pictures of lawn chairs knocked over with a facetious caption reading, “Never Forget!”
Lakefront homeowners in Windermere still must take special precautions during every hurricane so they are not caught off guard and unprepared for possible flooding. Hurricane season is generally categorized starting June 1st and ending November 30th each year, so take the month of May to prepare long before a storm is predicted in 2024.
What To Do Now
The Town of Windermere is beautiful with its historic trees, creating canopied cover over its unpaved roads. During hurricanes, however, these tree limbs can easily disrupt power lines and leave residents without power for a number of days.
For this reason, Town of Windermere residents should invest in a gas-powered generator. These can range in the hundreds or the thousands of dollars, so consider how much power your home may need. This would be more difficult to purchase once a hurricane is predicted, so take the time now to plan ahead.
Additionally, now is the time to purchase sandbags to place in front of vulnerable doorways, patio doors, and garages.
What To Do Later
For now, you can enjoy the sunshine and water without worry. Before the storm, however, you will need to take special precautions for your personal watercraft and boat dock. A video made by Peter Fleck, CEO of the local marine construction company, Q-ICE Builders, explains how to properly secure your watercraft for hurricane winds and elevated water levels.
Here is a list of other ways you can prepare your lakefront home closer to a storm:
- Secure or move grills, patio heaters, and furniture into a garage
- Keep siphon hose ready to prevent overflowing
- Clean and then fill bathtubs with water
- Board windows in case of flying debris
- Take pictures of your property before in case you need to file an insurance claim
What If I Am Out Of State?
If you are residing elsewhere during Florida’s summer, consider managing your home through TREC Management, a staple branch of The Real Estate Collection. Choose property management solutions tailored to fit your needs, including home care (weekly home monitoring), which is our most popular service for vacation and seasonal homeowners.
Morgan Horsley, Property Manager
The Real Estate Collection, Windermere Lakefront | windermerelakefront.com | 407.656.7814 | 100 W Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787
