dows and Glass DoorsProtecting your windows and sliding glass doors is one of manythings you can do in order to prepare for the storm. Many times,people rush out to buy plywood or tape at the last minute inorder to seemingly do the right thing, but there is far more todo in case the hurricane hits. Tape will not protect yourwindows, and it is not enough to simply have the plywood. If youresort to using plywood to cover the windows, it's best to usemarine plywood; make sure you have the plywood cut and ready tofit before-hand, with screw holes in place before the storm. Ifyour plywood does not securely fit over your windows or slidingglass doors, your efforts may simply be wasted. If air currentsare able to slip past your plywood covers, then you may stillget broken windows. If you do not wish to use plywood to coveryour windows, investing in metal shutters is a better...

... choice tohelp ride out the storm. You might consider investing in impact-resistant glass for yourwindows. This option is pretty expensive, however, if youconsider what happens if your windows get broken during ahurricane, the damage may be more costly than your investment inimpact-resistant glass. When hurricane winds break windows,there are more issues at hand than broken glass flyingthroughout your home. The pressure caused by the winds throughbroken windows can be enough to remove your roof and send ithurtling into the sky, and the pressure can then cause the wallsto collapse.Have Supplies on HandKeep non-perishable food items, bottle water, batteries, and afirst-aid kit available should you come into an emergencysituation. Be prepared with blankets, extra clothing, and sturdyshoes should you have to ride out the storm in your home.Buy a GeneratorDuring a hurricane, many utility lines get damaged; electricityis sometimes the last utility to come back on. Having agenerator on hand will be vital especially in times of need forcooking, cooling your home, and other daily activities.Keep a Weather Radio CloseWhen a hurricane watch is posted, it will be in your bestinterest to keep on top of the weather news. Staying tuned toadvisories may mean the difference between life and death in atime where you might need to evacuate the premises.Keep Tools HandyIf you need a ladder to put those plywood window covers up, itwill not be a good idea to have to run next door to theneighbor's house to borrow one. If you are trying to screw yourmetal shutters closed, and do not have your screwdriver close athand, running around search for one isn't going to help you savetime.Remove Dead Trees or Keep Trees TrimmedKeeping possible hazards like weak tree limbs from damaging yourhome will be important during a hurricane. Many times, it is theflying debris during a storm that can do the most propertydamage. By removing these hazards, you'll have a better chanceat avoiding some costly repairs.Be Prepared to EvacuateIf in the event you will have to evacuate your home during ahurricane, you will need to have a plan of action. Know wherefamily members will be, how to get out of town when necessaryand where to go, how early to leave (possibly avoiding trafficjams), and how to get in contact with each other should youbecome separated. If you have things you need on a daily basis,have a bag ready to go with these items. Make sure to includeemergency information such as doctor's contacts, medications andmedication information, insurance policies, baby formula anddiapers, or any other thing you may need in case of anemergency. Make sure small children know their home phonenumbers and addresses, and can give vital information to reliefworkers or law enforcement officials, or are equipped with theirparents' contact information in other ways, such as on an idbracelet.Having your Florida real estate prepared for the worst of theseason's storms can save you time, money, energy, and possibleheartache during a time of emergency. Ultimately, planning for adisaster can help you avoid one entirely.Copyright © 2006 G Beaty. All rights reserved.About the Author: G Beaty is a homebuilder and real estatebroker for over 25 years. For free information on new homeconstruction visit; http://www.favoriteproperties.com...