With hurricane season here, ensuring you and your family are well-prepared is a good idea. Here are some tips to help get you ready for unexpected weather.

Stay informed

Keep up-to-date with the latest weather reports and emergency alerts by downloading a weather app or following local news stations on social media. The National Hurricane Center is also a great resource for tracking storms.

Create a hurricane kit

Stock up on non-perishable food, bottled water, and essential supplies like batteries, flashlights, and a first-aid kit. It's also a good idea to have a portable radio or charger for your phone in case of power outages. Even though Babcock Ranch did not experience any outages during Hurricane Ian, it's better to be prepared.

Secure your home

Ensure your windows and doors are properly sealed and closed; even your garage door must be kept down. Your home in The Sanctuary already comes with Hurricane Impact Glass windows, so there is no need for shutters or plywood.

Prepare for evacuation

Have a plan in place for evacuation, including a designated meeting spot and a list of important phone numbers. Make sure to have a plan for your pets too. At The Sanctuary, the finished floor elevations are over 33 feet above sea level, one of the highest points in Babcock Ranch, but still better to have a plan in place.

Backup important documents

Keep important documents like insurance policies, passports, and birth certificates in a waterproof and fireproof container, or consider storing them digitally.

Consider flood insurance

Many standard homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flood damage, so it's important to consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy even though it’s not required by most lenders if you are living in The Sanctuary. When not a requirement, this type of policy is pretty inexpensive.

Have a backup power source

Consider investing in a generator or battery-powered backup system to keep essential appliances like your fridge and AC running during a power outage even though Babcock Ranch didn’t experience power outages, water cutoffs, or internet interruptions, still might be a good investment.

Secure outdoor furniture

Bring in or secure any outdoor furniture or decorations that could be picked up by high winds and become dangerous projectiles.

 Stay calm and follow instructions

During a storm, it's important to remain calm and follow the instructions of local officials. If you are instructed to evacuate, do so immediately and do not wait until the last minute.

Have a plan for after the storm

Make sure to have a plan in place for cleaning up and repairing any damage to your home or property after the storm has passed.

By following these tips, you can help ensure the safety of your home and family during hurricane season in Florida. You can browse more tips here.

Learn more about our communities

The community you're in could also have an impact on how the storm affects you and your family. Our Babcock Ranch community, where we’re proud to have homes, was featured on CBS for being in the eye of the storm for hours and not losing electricity. You can learn more about our homes here and America’s first solar powered town here.

Work with us

We would love to get you started on an exciting new chapter and into a new home with us. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us today at 239-320-7894 or through our website and select Southwest Florida to be directed to the right team. We look forward to hearing from you!