Florida is days away from one of the largest hurricanes on record making landfall in the sunshine state. Hurricane Irma is recorded as a Category 5 Hurricane, one of the strongest in history, and although its path is unknown, Florida is still a target. Right now, the state is urging residents to hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
If you live in a manufactured home, preparation is key. Here is a checklist of items you should check on your home today:
- Ensure your manufactured home has secure anchors and tie-downs as required by Florida law.
- Make sure your address is clearly marked on your home.
- Purchase plywood, shutters, plastic sheeting and nails to secure your home.
- Review your insurance and document your home, along with your valuables.
- Gather all outdoor furniture and decorations and move them to a safe indoor location. Tie it down or bring it in!
- Check the skirting and roof on your home and make sure any loose pieces are secure.
- Trim dead or broken branches from trees.
- Get your disaster kit ready with items like flashlights, batteries, radios and more. Check out USA Today’s Hurricane Kit recommendations.
- Get out cash and fill up your tanks now.
- Refill any prescriptions.
- Have an evaucation plan- if your area is evacuated please leave!
At Newby Management, our team has NEAT (Newby Emergency Action Team), which mobilizes after a natural disaster. NEAT was formed in 2005 to respond to disasters that may occur in our communities.
These disasters include hurricanes, fire, tornadoes, flooding and terrorism. The goal for NEAT at the community level is to equip community management to be prepared to deal with disasters when they happen within their communities in a professional and organized manner, that will help protect people and property. In this way, we are serving the residents and meeting their needs.
Our team is keeping a close eye on Hurricane Irma and working with our communities and team members to keep everyone safe. Please take this time to prepare, and stay tuned to the local news to watch progress as the storm nears.