Prepare Your Waterfront Home For Storm Season

4/18/2021 (Permalink)

When you think of South Florida, many people imagine beautiful beaches, waterfront properties and sun year-round. Sounds like paradise, right? The Covid-19 pandemic, as we have seen, has resulted in a mass migration of residents from all over the U.S. to relocate to South Florida, with many investing in beautiful waterfront properties. While there are many benefits to living in South Florida, there are still some drawbacks that may be overlooked, such as hurricane season and what preparation looks like for those who own land with waterfront or ocean access.

For long time Floridians, preparation for hurricane season has become second nature. For those who are new to the South Florida area, here are a few tips and tricks to getting your home prepared for the 2021 season, because here at SERVPRO of West Palm Beach we believe that the best defense against severe storms is to be prepared for the worst.

Docks and Seawalls

• Inspect your docks for damage and handle any necessary repairs ahead of time. Doing this can save you from potential higher property repair costs should a large storm hit your location.
• Sea wall inspection is pertinent, as it may be the best line of defense against storm surge.
• Secure everything, such as ropes, chairs, flags or any other item that can easily come loose or get tossed around in hurricane winds. Not only will this save your property from further damage, but it can save you from the potential financial responsibility of repairing your neighbors property.
• Turn off the power and water to your dock. Although this may not be mandatory, it is highly advised and can save you from experiencing a high-water bill should a pipe burst or a fire as a result of an electrical short.

Boat Storage Options

• Land Storage: Storing your boat ashore on higher ground is the most recommended method during a hurricane. Be sure to tie your boat down by attaching straps with minimal to no stretch to eyes set in concrete or helical anchors.
• Water Storage: if you have to store your boat on the water during a hurricane, there are several things to keep in mind. Seek out tall pilings, as shorter pilings aren’t very forgiving during a storm surge. Also try to store your boat on a floating dock, which allows the boats to rise and fall with the water level without stretching or stressing lines.
• Boat Lifts: NEVER keep your boat on a boat lift during a hurricane. A storm surge could easily wipe out the entire dock and take your boat with it, resulting in costly damage to your boat as well as your property.

Home Protection

• Windows: Unless your home has been upgraded with Hurricane windows, hurricane shutters are the best option.
• Doors: Be sure to check that the weather stripping and thresholds of your doors are in good condition. If your home is in a low-lying area, sandbagging around the entrances can help prevent interior flooding and water damage to you home.
• Property: Be sure to place important documents, photos, and other irreplaceable property in a safe waterproof location.

In the event that you do experience any type of storm damage or flooding at your waterfront property, be sure to reach out to the experts here at SERVPRO of West Palm Beach. We have the knowledge, experience and trust of the community to handle all your mitigation and restoration needs. We promise we’ll make it look “Like it never even happened.”