Should You Stay or Should You Go?

by Adelaida “Ady” M. Artime, P.A. 07/07/2020

If you are expecting a Category 3, 4 or 5 hurricane to directly impact your home and immediate area, GO. Obey evacuation orders from local, state or federal agencies and leave as soon as possible. Remember, your home can always be repaired after the hurricane. There is nothing you can do to prevent damage to your home if you stay. You will just be endangering yourself and your family by staying.

Preparing for a Category 1 or 2 Hurricane

In most cases, lower category hurricane damage to homes is due to flooding and power loss rather than strong winds. Depending on how flood-prone your area is, you might consider leaving for higher ground even under a Category 1 or 2 hurricane warning. If you plan to ride out a hurricane, here are some tips to prepare for the unexpected:

Have two battery-operated or wind-up radios ready to use.
Bring in anything in your yard you don't want to lose to flooding.
Nail plywood across windows if you don't have hurricane shutters.
About 24 hours before the hurricane hits, set your refrigerator at its coldest level. This helps keep food fresh longer if you lose power.
Fill all vehicle gas tanks.
Stock up on bottled water. Also, fill bathtubs and several buckets with water for non-drinking purposes.
Stock up on non-perishable food items.
Make sure essential prescriptions are filled.
If time permits, trim trees surrounding your home.
Lock all doors and windows to prevent the wind from forcing them open.

Home Repair After a Hurricane

If you need contractors to repair damage to your home, watch for scammers after a hurricane. Hire only established, reputable home repair contractors and never give a contractor money before the repair project is completed.

Storm Preparation

Home Repair

Maintenance

About the Author

Adelaida “Ady” M. Artime, P.A.

In her role as a real estate and relocation specialist in South Florida and Northern Virginia, Ady Artime prides herself on providing the highest level of service, confidentiality and professionalism to her clients. Based on her own experience as a government liaison, Ady is in familiar territory working with high powered individuals. She possesses a discreet and confidential work ethic, and her keen eye, attention to detail, and experience with multi-million dollar properties have earned her a high-profile, loyal clientele that expect the best from their realtor.

Known for her expertise and strong background in interior design, she stands out from other real estate agents. When a satisfied client says that Ady knows real estate "inside and out", the statement is to be taken literally. Over the course of her career, she has received recognition as an award-winning interior designer. She has designed and implemented interiors for countless luxury projects throughout the United States, and Europe. Her extensive knowledge of all facets of design, including working with architects and construction teams, led to a natural progression into the real estate arena and gives her a definite edge over the competition in serving her clients.

As and agent in South Florida and North Virginia, Ady lends her real estate expertise and design savvy to buyers and sellers. Ady's mission is to develop a faithful, repeat clientele by providing them with superior service and value. She is passionate about her work and takes the time to understand each client's needs and goals to accurately assess the options she provides. From overseeing the staging of a listed property in order to fetch the highest possible price to analyzing a potential purchase from a design and architectural perspective.