This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center has forecasted a 75-percent chance that the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season will be near or above normal. Forecasters predict a 35 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 40 percent chance of a near-normal season, and a 25 percent chance of a below-normal season for the upcoming hurricane season, which extends from June 1 to November 30.

Further, NOAA’s forecasters predict a ‘ … 70-percent likelihood of 10 to 16 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which five to nine could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including one to four major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).’

So if hurricanes are an inevitable occurrence, part and parcel to living in the Sunshine State, what can we do to protect one of our biggest investments, our home?

Simple. Three things: Prepare, prepare and then prepare some more. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so consider this list from CBS News to help you weather the storms.

Review your insurance policies. Make sure your insurance policy will cover the full cost of rebuilding if you lose your home in a storm.
Consider flood insurance. With Florida being a peninsula at sea level – and regardless of your elevation – it may be worth considering flood insurance.
Inventory your property. Annually inventory your possessions so you know exactly what you may need to replace and how much it’s worth.
Secure and seal your roof. Your roof is your first line of defense – and can be the largest potential opening on the house, letting wind and water destroy everything that lies beneath.
Add roof straps. In Florida, builders are required to attach a home’s roof to the walls with metal straps. But if your house is more than 20 years old, you may not have them – but can add them for about $400 to $600.
Secure carports and porches. A porch or carport on your house can lift up with wind and tear a hole in your house. Secure posts supporting your porch and carport, and make sure they’re anchored to the ground.
Seal windows and doors. Check the seals around your windows and doors. Everyday weather – especially in Florida – can damage seals over time, allowing rain to get in during a storm.
Seal holes. Entry points for cable or other electrical wires on the side of your house create holes through your exterior wall, so seal these them with caulk to prevent water from getting in.
Clear the yard. Anything that can be picked up by strong winds – lawn furniture, grills, potted plants and more – can become an unintentional projectile and should be stored indoors or secured to the ground.
Reinforce your garage door. Garage doors can blow in during a hurricane, so strengthen your garage door by installing a vertical garage door brace and reinforcing it with horizontal wooden beams.

And just in case that isn’t enough, you can refer to this Florida Emergency Preparedness Guide and this exhaustive step-by-step list of ways to prepare for a hurricane from NOAA.

In Florida, hurricanes happen – but you can prepare your home and family to minimize the impact, both before, during and after. With just a little forethought and planning, you can safely weather this – and every – hurricane season.

At DeLeon Sheffield Company, we wish each and every one of you a dry, uneventful and safe 2018 hurricane season!

Because at DeLeon Sheffield Company, ‘We’re More Than Realty; We’re Family.’