Hurricane Season Is Coming

Hurricane season officially runs June 1 through November 30. If you have lived in Valrico for any length of time, you know that preparation is not optional. The time to get ready is now, before the first storm forms.

What to Do This Month

Check your insurance. Review your homeowner's policy and make sure you understand your wind and flood coverage. Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage. If you are in a flood zone (check FEMA's map), you need a separate flood policy. Flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, so do not wait until a storm is in the Gulf.

Trim your trees. Dead branches and overgrown trees are the number one source of property damage during storms. Get your trees trimmed before the rush. Once a storm is named, every tree service in Tampa Bay is booked solid.

Stock your supplies. Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days), batteries, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, medications, important documents in a waterproof bag, and cash. Gas up your vehicles and any generators before watches are issued.

A few specific picks that are worth having on hand: a dual-fuel portable generator gives you the option of running on gas or propane — handy when gas stations are tapped out. For light, a rechargeable LED camping lantern lasts way longer than flashlights and lights up an entire room. And a hand-crank emergency radio keeps you connected to NOAA weather alerts even when everything else is dead.

Know your zone. Hillsborough County has evacuation zones A through E. Most of Valrico is NOT in an evacuation zone, but some areas near the Alafia River may be. Check your zone at hillsboroughcounty.org.

Secure your property. Know where your hurricane shutters are (or buy plywood now). Make sure your garage door is rated for wind. Clear your yard of anything that can become a projectile.

Emergency Numbers

• Emergency: 911
• HCSO Non-Emergency: (813) 247-8200
• TECO Power Outage: (888) 223-8667
• Hillsborough County Emergency Management: (813) 272-6900

Home Maintenance Tip

Need help with tree trimming, securing your property, or storm prep around the house? Best Bay Services handles pre-storm maintenance for Valrico homeowners. Call James at (813) 416-8676 or visit bestbayservices.com.