Taking proactive steps during hurricane season safeguards your property from drastic damage and ensures the safety of tenants. On average, buildings in Jacksonville have about a 35% chance of flooding in a 30-year period. That means over course of your time owning a rental property, you need to be prepared for the worst.
Your Jacksonville rental property can be vulnerable to nearby trees, neighborhood construction, and large open areas. To help you protect your rental property, we prepared a comprehensive guide you can follow to protect your investment during hurricane season.
Understanding Hurricane Risks and Preparation
Hurricane season brings winds that can cause widespread devastation, causing damage to roofs, walls, and windows. This section highlights key terms to help you stay ready:
Hurricane Watch vs. Hurricane Warning
While a hurricane watch means that a hurricane is possible within 48 hours, a hurricane watch indicates hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.
Stay informed about hurricane watches and warnings by listening to National Weather Service alerts on TV and radio broadcasts or online platforms.
Understand the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Guidelines
Hurricane categories are based on sustained wind speeds:
- Category 1: 74-95 mph – Minimal damage
- Category 2: 96-110 mph – Moderate damage
- Category 3: 111-129 mph – Devastating damage
- Category 4: 130-156 mph – Catastrophic damage
- Category 5: 157+ mph – Catastrophic destruction
Knowing this prepares you and your tenants for the impact a hurricane may have on your property.
Creating a Hurricane Preparedness Plan
Having a solid preparedness plan for hurricanes can save you a lot of trouble when the time comes. Here’s how you can prepare:
Develop an Emergency Plan
Creating a strategic emergency plan ensures safety and minimizes confusion. The key components of your hurricane preparedness plan should include:
- Evacuation protocols for tenants to follow
- Communication protocols to dedicate a phone line during emergencies
- Distributing emergency contact lists to tenants
- Encouraging your tenants to have an emergency kit ready
Updating and reviewing your plan can help ensure the safety of your tenants when disaster strikes in Jacksonville.
Consider Flood Insurance
Flood insurance can help you critically safeguard your Jacksonville property. Locate your property and check the FEMA Flood Zone Search by Address to determine risks.
Other steps you need to take are:
- Evaluating options that align with your property’s location, risk level, and value
- Understanding coverage of building property and personal property protection
- Consulting insurance providers to select a policy that meets your budget and needs
Having financial security during a tropical storm or hurricane can bring you peace of mind.
Preparing Your Rental Property
Preparing your rental property also involves the safety of your tenant during a hurricane. To ensure a safe environment for both parties, get ready to:
- Regularly trim trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of falling branches during high winds
- Install impact-resistant windows or plywood to protect your home against flying debris
- Inspect the roof and gutter for efficient water flow in drainage systems
- Secure outdoor furniture and decorations by moving them indoors to prevent them from becoming projectiles
- Install sturdy fences or protective barriers to shield your property from wind gusts
Your level of preparedness can influence the condition of your rental property before and after a tropical storm or hurricane.
Staying Informed and Up-to-Date
Before a hurricane enters in Jacksonville, sign up for weather alerts in the area and follow the city’s official social media accounts. Additionally, prepare a watertight safety box to store key documents including:
- A checklist of an emergency supply kit
- Phone numbers for FEMA, NWS, and local emergency services
- Original and extra copies of insurance policies
- Carry a weather radio with you during the hurricane surge for real-time updates.
Evacuation and Shelter Options in Jacksonville
You need to plan to act quickly when hurricanes arise. Knowing your shelter options in Jacksonville ensures tenant safety. That’s why you should familiarize yourself with:
Jacksonville’s Evacuation Routes and Shelters
The safest way to survive flood and hurricane surge is to evacuate if advised to leave. This will require communication of evacuation routes and guidelines to your tenants to lead them to safer areas.
If your tenants are not with authorities, inform them to get to the highest level in the building when the floodwater rises and how to signal for help when necessary.
Typically, community centers or schools are designated as shelter locations. It is important to know in advance what supplies you can quickly grab during the evacuation.
Plan for Alternative Accommodations
Have a list of nearby hotels and temporary rental properties that can house tenants during evacuation. Coordinate with local businesses that provide emergency housing.
In case local options are full, consider making arrangements in Jacksonville’s neighboring cities.
Prepare for Pets and Special Needs Individuals
Build a personal go bag for tenants and pets if they must evacuate at a moment’s notice. Pack necessary supplies such as food, leashes, and bedding in your evacuation plans.
For tenants with special needs, ensure to provide them with special medical accommodations to prepare necessary supplies and have emergency contacts on hand.
Familiarizing yourself with local resources better prepares you and your tenants for the immediate aftermath of a hurricane disaster.
Be Ready Before the Storm
Keeping your Jacksonville rental property up to standard no matter the natural disaster can be a challenge. After the storm, you have to conduct a thorough inspection, record damages, and check your expenses. It might be impossible to focus on your family's needs when you need to go back to your property at the same time.
That’s why the best solution to your problem is to hire a professional property manager at Nest Finders. We’ll handle the maintenance and repair for your Jacksonville rental property before, during, and after the hurricane, so you don’t have to worry about the damage.
Weather the storm with ease—contact us today!
Additional Resources
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