Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and warm weather, making it a popular destination for vacationers. But the most popular months for summer vacations – June and July – occur during the Atlantic hurricane season. By taking some necessary precautions and considering a few important factors before your trip begins, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience. With vacation rental homes throughout Florida, Kong Vacation Homes understands weather impacts from coast to coast, and we have compiled these tips for you!
Know When to Visit:
While the Atlantic hurricane season stretches from June 1 to November 30, hurricanes are most likely to make landfall in Florida between mid-August to late October. Before you plan your visit, we recommend that you first check out the hurricane preparedness resources on the National Weather Service’s website.
Pack Carefully:
Try to limit your luggage to carry-on bags only, which will make it easier for you if flights are rescheduled or canceled. Pack any medications you may need, cash, and travel-size toiletries and personal items.
Travel Insurance:
When renting a vacation home in Florida, it’s wise to invest in comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions due to severe weather. Read the policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not, making sure to choose insurance that provides adequate protection for potential hurricane-related issues.
Flexibility in Travel Plans:
During hurricane season, it’s crucial to maintain flexibility in your travel plans. Keep an eye on the weather forecasts and consider rescheduling your trip if a significant storm or hurricane is expected. Contact us at Kong Vacation Homes to discuss any changes to your booking.
Stock Up on Essentials:
When you arrive at your vacation rental, stock up on non-perishable food, drinking water, and other necessary supplies to last for at least three days. It’s also advisable to have a battery-operated radio, extra batteries, a portable phone charger, and a basic toolkit for any emergency repairs.
At Kong Vacation Homes, you’ll find a welcome basket with snacks and other items you may need, along with extra soap and surface sanitation supplies that you can use at your discretion.
Evacuation Plans and Routes:
Familiarize yourself with the evacuation plans and routes in the area where you’ll be staying. Determine the nearest hurricane evacuation zone and find out how to reach a safe location if a mandatory evacuation order is issued. Additionally, keep emergency contact numbers handy, such as local authorities, property management, and medical services, in case you need assistance during an evacuation.
You can view evacuation zones, evacuation routes, and public shelters here.
Follow Local Guidelines:
Always follow the guidelines and instructions provided by local authorities during a hurricane. If an evacuation order is issued, evacuate promptly and seek shelter in designated evacuation centers or hotels outside the danger zone. Stay updated on road closures, curfews, and other safety measures implemented by local authorities.
Secure Valuables and Important Documents:
If a storm is in the forecast, make sure that you have secured your valuables and important documents. Consider storing important documents such as passports, identification, insurance papers, and travel documents in a waterproof and portable container. It’s also a good idea to take photos or videos of the rental property’s condition before the storm hits to document any potential damage for insurance claims.
Stay Safe:
If you are sheltering at your vacation rental during severe weather, hunker down in an interior room and stay away from windows. Make sure that you have let your loved ones know your location. Also, know it might be easier to communicate with them through text messages or social media. In the event of severe weather, Kong Vacation Homes will provide you with additional resources to help you stay safe.
After the Storm:
While the severe weather may pass quickly, the aftermath could result in problems for travelers. The airport could be closed, and flights could be canceled or overcrowded. Electricity could be down, and roads could be blocked or flooded. This means you might need to stay in your rental longer than planned. The management team at Kong Vacation Homes will also stay in close contact with you!
Try Not to Stress:
While it’s important to be prepared, remember the odds of a hurricane hitting are low. As long as you plan ahead and don’t mind the risk of inconvenience, you’ll most likely find more sunny days than not in Florida!
If you have any questions about what we do at Kong Vacation Homes to make sure our properties are hurricane-ready, we’d love to hear from you. We want your experience with us to be exceptional, no matter the season. For more information about Kong Vacation Homes, contact us at 866-499-9026 or info@kongmg.com.