Back Home2026 Hurricane Preparedness Guide
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
home safety
Holiday Home Safety Tips
To ensure holiday home safety, focus on fire prevention by keeping decorations away from heat sources, inspecting electrical lights, and watering Christmas trees. Additionally, boost security by locking all doors and windows, not displaying gifts in plain sight, and making your home appear occupied when you’re away.
Fire and Decoration Safety:
- Electrical: Inspect all holiday lights and electrical cords for damage. Replace any broken lights, and never overload circuits.
- Decorations: Keep all decorations, especially those made of fabric, away from heat sources like fireplaces, heaters, and candles. Whenever possible, choose those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant and non-combustible materials. Avoid trimmings that resemble candy and food that may tempt a young child to put them in his mouth.
- Candles: Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish them before sleeping or leaving a room. Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials, and do not use candles to decorate Christmas trees.
- Christmas trees: Keep live trees at least three feet away from heat sources, and keep the tree stand filled with water. Dispose of dried-out trees promptly. Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
- Lights: Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground-fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks. Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
- Fire safety equipment: Ensure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and that your fire extinguisher is up-to-date.
Children and Pet Safety:
- Poinsettias are known to be poisonous to humans and animals, so keep them well out of reach, or avoid having them.
- Avoid decorations that resemble candy and food that may tempt a young child to put them in his mouth.
- Keep decorations at least 6 inches above the child’s reach.
- Avoid using tinsel. It can fall on the floor and a curious child or pet may eat it. This can cause anything from mild distress to death.
- Keep any ribbons on gifts and tree ornaments shorter than 7 inches. A child could wrap a longer strand of ribbon around their neck and choke.
- Store scissors and any sharp objects that you use to wrap presents out of your child’s reach.
- Lock up: Always lock all doors and windows when you leave, even for short periods. Double-check all entry points, including basement access and the garage.
- Conceal valuables: Do not display gifts in windows where they can be seen from the outside. After the holidays, break down expensive gift boxes before putting them out for trash collection.
- Create occupancy: Use timers for indoor and outdoor lights to make the house look occupied when you’re away.
- Outdoor security: Consider installing motion-sensing lights or a video doorbell for extra security.
- Deliveries: Securely store delivered packages, or ask a neighbor to collect them if you are away. Don’t leave them sitting on your porch.
Renovations With a Strong Return on Investment
Renovations that make homeowners and residents of a home happy are always worth the investment. Though it’s certainly true that projects that create more functional, usable space and add comfort and convenience are worth the price, such renovations are even more beneficial if they provide a good return on homeowners’ financial investment ( ROI).
Returns on investment (ROI) are often cashed in when homeowners put their homes up for sale, and each year Remodeling magazine releases its “Cost vs. Value Report,” which considers a wealth of data across the United States to determine which renovations return the highest percentage of homeowners’ financial investment.
According to the “2024 Cost vs. Value Report,” the following are projects that provide a strong return on investment (ROI):
Enhance curb appeal:First impressions matter, so improving your home’s curb appeal can significantly impact its value. Simple upgrades such as landscaping, exterior painting, and installing a new entry door can make a substantial difference. According to industry experts, enhancing curb appeal can yield an ROI of up to 200%.
Garage door replacement: The average job cost for this project is slightly more than $4,500 but the project is valued at $8,751, providing an especially high 194% ROI.
Steel door replacement: Remodeling magazine notes that a steel entry door replacement is worth double what it was worth in 2023. This project offers a 188% ROI on an average investment of $2,355.
Manufactured stone veneer: A manufactured stone veneer is a man-made product that appears as if it’s natural stone. Many homeowners prefer manufactured stone veneer to natural stone because of the price, as the former is less expensive and easier to install, which means lower labor costs as well. The comparatively low cost of manufactured stone veneer is perhaps one reason why it averages a roughly 153% ROI on an average cost of just more than $11,000.
Minor kitchen remodel: According to the “2024 U.S. Houzz & Home Study” from Houzz Research, kitchens were the most popular rooms to renovate in 2023. There’s no denying the appeal of a newly renovated kitchen, and homeowners considering such a project may be happy to learn that a minor kitchen remodel that costs an average of around $27,000 provides a 96% ROI.
Renovate bathrooms:Bathrooms are another high-impact area for home improvements. Remodeling a bathroom can provide a return on investment of around 81% for an addition and approximately 71% for a complete renovation.
Simple upgrades to bathroom fixtures can also go a long way in improving your home’s value. Consider replacing outdated faucets, showerheads, and toilets with modern, water-efficient options. This improvement offers a high return on investment and enhances your bathroom’s overall look and functionality.
Roof Replacement: A well-maintained roof is essential for any home and replacing an old or damaged roof can significantly increase its value. Additionally, a new roof provides peace of mind for potential buyers. Roof replacements offer a high return on investment, with homeowners recouping the entire cost.
Install Smart home and Home Security Technology: Smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. Integrating features such as smart thermostats, lighting systems, and security cameras can enhance the appeal and value of your home. Smart home features offer a return on investment of up to 10%.
Investing in smart home security measures will enhance your peace of mind and increase your home’s value. Upgrades such as motion sensor lighting and sturdy locks can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Smart thermostats are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer several benefits, such as energy savings and remote control. Installing a smart thermostat can increase the value of your home by up to 3%.
When considering home improvements in Florida, focusing on projects that offer the best return on investment is crucial. Enhancing curb appeal, upgrading key areas such as the kitchen and bathroom, and investing in energy-efficient features are all smart choices. Strategic improvements can increase your home’s value and attract potential buyers in the competitive Florida real estate market. Remember to consult with local professionals to ensure that you choose improvements that align with the preferences and needs of Florida homebuyers.
Summer Home Safety Tips
Have big plans for this summer? Many families across Florida and the nation will spend time away from home during the summer months.
To fully enjoy those activities and other summertime pursuits spent away from home, homeowners should take precautions to protect their residences when they’re not around. Crime rates across the country often start to peak as temperatures rise during the warm weather months – the same time that many families leave their homes unoccupied and unprotected.
Homeowners can take these simple precautions to make their homes less of a target for criminals:
No “Home Alone”: Before leaving your home during the day, make it look as if someone is still at home by using timers on lights in various rooms. Even though daylight hours are longer during the summer, it may still get dark faster than you expect or you may return home later than anticipated, and taking this step ensures that your home appears occupied at all times.
No Sharing on Social Media: Sharing your vacation plans on social media sites isn’t wise. That’s the same as announcing to the world you’ll be gone and the house will be empty – a perfect target for burglars or vandals. The same goes for phone messages.
No Open-Door Policy: Ensure that all doors leading to the home and garage are locked, even when leaving for short periods of time. The typical burglary takes less than five minutes and unlocked doors, combined with an empty home, put out the “welcome mat” for crime. Make sure windows are locked, too.
Someone to Watch Over Me: Be landscape smart. Shrubbery and other plants can grow very rapidly during the warm, wet summer months. Keep them trimmed so neighbors can easily see your home. Also, a burglar could see an unkempt yard as a sign of an empty home.
A Key Reminder: When leaving home, take your house keys along or leave a spare set with a trusted neighbor. Never leave a key under a welcome mat, in a mailbox or other hiding spots – most burglars know where to look.
Crime Doesn’t Take a Vacation: If you’re planning to be away from home for more than a day or two, ask a neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers – or arrange to cancel the paper and hold the mail. Disable your garage door opener and manually lock it from the inside, and don’t forget to check that the door leading from the garage to the home is locked, too.
Termite Awareness Week- March 10-16, 2024
Florida is home to over twenty different species of termites with the most damaging and common species are subterranean and drywood termites. These termites cause billions of dollars of damage annually in the United States and correct termite identification is pivotal to successful prevention, control, and protection of your home.
Subterranean termites live and invade from underground, and a single colony can cover one acre underneath
homes. They typically live in dark, moist, hidden environments underground but will create and live in carton
nests aboveground. These can be found in walls and attics of structures and in nearby trees. To move above the
ground, these termites build mud tubes on foundations, walls, and nearby trees. These mud tubes are a sign
of termite activity and used for detection.
Drywood termites live and forage in dry wood. There are many different species of drywood termites in Florida,
and these are located throughout the state. They enter structures through swarming from infested trees, stored
wood, or other structures near your home. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termite colonies grow
slowly and thus do not cause as much damage as subterranean termites. A tell-tale sign of drywood termites are
sawdust-like piles near the infestation, these piles are hexagonal shaped pellets or waste of the termite.
Actions you can take to keep air home termite free are:
- Eliminate sources of standing water in or near the home.
- Be wary of areas in the home where wood is in contact with soil.
- Keep piles of lumber or firewood away from your home.
- Regularly inspect your deck, patio, or outdoor furniture for signs of damage.
- Remove decaying trees and branches from areas surrounding your yard.
- Use pine needles, pea gravel, rubber, or other non-organic material as mulch.
Part of your Inspections before purchasing a home should include Wood Destroying Organisms ( WDO) Inspection. Unlike most states, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) requires the licensed WDO Inspector to report on Wood Destroying Organisms.
The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recommends that you hire a licensed pest control company for correct termite identification and protection for your home. You can find out if a company is licensed in Florida at: https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Pest-Control. For more info and tips: https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Health-and-Safety/Protect-Your-Home-from-Pests/Termites.
Benefits of Energy Efficient Homes
A recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that energy-efficient features are among the most sought-after “must-haves” among homebuyers. Among those surveyed, 83% desired Energy Star-rated windows, 81% wanted Energy Star-rated appliances and 80% preferred energy-efficient lighting.
Though eco-conscious sensibilities compel millions of homeowners to make their homes more energy-efficient, that’s not the only reason to upgrade your home. The following are a handful of the many benefits of energy-efficient homes.
Save money: The U.S. Department of Energy indicates upgrading to energy efficient appliances products can help homeowners reduce their energy costs by as much as 30%. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates you can save 11% on average on your total energy costs by air sealing your home and adding insulation in the attic and crawl spaces.
Improve resale value: Being able to market your home as energy-efficient when it comes time to sell it may help your resale value, especially as energy-efficient homes become better-known and more in-demand.
According to several studies, energy-efficient homes and apartments garner anywhere from 2% to 8% more in sales prices than their traditional counterparts. Research from the mortgage lender Freddie Mac found that homes with energy-efficient ratings sold for nearly 3% more on average than homes without such ratings.
Live healthier: The benefits of energy-efficient homes aren’t just economic, though health-related benefits certainly produce an economic incentive as well.
Energy-efficient homes boost your comfort level by also enhancing the indoor air quality by reducing pollen, dust, insects, and humidity, which leads to better quality of life.
Energy-efficient appliances are typically quieter than traditional models, as well, making their operation less intrusive to your daily life.
To learn more and find out how to perform some of these improvements yourself, visit DOE’s Energy Saver website.
Tools and Calculators for Homes:
Information, tools, and resource to help consumers seal and insulate their homes, including a DIY Guide to Sealing and Insulating with ENERGY STAR.
Information, tools, and resources to help consumers assess their home’s energy use, including the ENERGY STAR Home Advisor and the ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yardstick.
List of building energy software packages, some of which are available for free or a small fee.
A tool that allows a consumer to determine energy savings and costs associated with replacing non-ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerators.
Information, tools, and resources to help consumers increase the efficiency of their home’s heating and cooling system.
A tool developed as an industry-consensus roof savings calculator for residential and commercial buildings using whole-building energy simulations.
Tips to Reduce Home Insurance Costs in South Florida?
Are you a home buyer in Florida looking to save money on your insurance costs? Here are some expert tips to help you reduce your home and wind insurance expenses.
Shop Around: Don’t settle for the first insurance quote you receive. Take the time to compare prices from multiple insurers. By doing so, you can find the best coverage at the most competitive rates.
Increase Deductibles: Consider raising your deductibles to lower your premium. While this means you’ll pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim, it can significantly reduce your monthly insurance costs. Make sure you take on a deductible that won’t leave you financially overwhelmed when you need to make a major claim.
Improve Home Security: Installing security measures such as alarms, deadbolts, and smoke detectors can make your home safer and lower your insurance premiums. Insurers often offer discounts for homes with enhanced security features.
Bundle Policies: If you have multiple insurance needs, consider bundling your auto, umbrella, home and wind insurance with the same provider. This can lead to substantial savings on your premiums.
Maintain a Good Credit Score: Believe it or not, your credit score can affect your insurance rates. Pay your bills on time, keep your credit utilization low, and regularly check your credit report for errors to maintain a good credit score and potentially lower your insurance costs.
Consider Wind Mitigation Measures: Living in Florida means being prepared for hurricanes. By fortifying your home against wind damage with measures like impact-resistant windows and reinforced roof trusses, you can qualify for wind mitigation discounts.
Avoid Making Small Claims: While insurance is designed to protect you from significant financial losses, making multiple small claims can lead to higher premiums. Consider handling minor repairs out of pocket to avoid impacting your insurance rates.
Look for Discounts: t’s easy to miss a discount you’re eligible for. Homeowners often have the stress of the home-buying process in the background when they get coverage, meaning insurance could be one thing hurriedly checked off the list. You can qualify for discounts if you:
- Have a residence with no smokers
- Pay your premium upfront
- Pick paperless billing
- Sign up for automatic payments
Remember, every insurance policy is unique, so it’s essential to speak with a qualified insurance agent to find the best ways to lower your home and wind insurance costs in Florida. Don’t let high premiums take away from the joy of homeownership – take action today and start saving!
Hurricane Preparedness Before Your Vacation
As a Floridian, you already know the drill: hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 each year, and certain hurricane preparations are needed to protect your home when storms appear to be heading your way. But what happens if you are some distance away, or even out of state, when this occurs? You can still prepare ahead of time – and a few extra steps is all it takes to secure your home while you’re away.
Performing the following hurricane preparation before vacation will allow you to relax and enjoy family time, or the scenery wherever you’re vacationing.
Insurance Coverage. Every year, you should review your homeowners, flood, and wind insurance policies to make sure you will have the coverage you need should your home be in the path of the next major hurricane or storm surge. Ideally, this is done before hurricane season begins, but should absolutely be done before you leave on vacation.
Home Safety Measures. Whatever hurricane preparedness you might normally do if you were home when a storm was approaching, do before you leave on vacation. This includes closing/installing your hurricane shutters, trimming trees, and bringing in any outdoor furniture or other items subject to becoming projectiles during a hurricane. Doing all of this before a storm is even on the horizon might seem like overkill – but the peace of mind it provides should bad weather threaten while you’re away will be priceless. Especially since you won’t be able to do much from a distance.
Electronics, Water & Gas. Consider unplugging valuable electronics and appliances to avoid potential power surges as the result of a hurricane or tropical storm. Alternatively, you could opt to turn the power off at the breaker. To avoid potential leaks, you may also want to consider turning off the main water and gas valves to your home.
Inform a Trusted Neighbor or Friend. Let someone you trust know about your vacation plans, including when you’ll be away, how you might be contacted, and any relevant details about your home security or other systems. They may be able to keep an eye on your home in your absence should a hurricane develop.
Ready the Emergency Kit. Stock up on supplies you would rely on if you were home during a hurricane, such as flashlights, batteries, first-aid kits, nonperishable food, and an ample supply of bottled water. This hurricane preparedness will be helpful if you return home without power or access to supplies are limited. Store a small version of this kit in your car, and top off the tank.
Have a Backup Plan. Should you be unable to get to your home upon your return from vacation, or if your home is damaged by a hurricane or tropical storm, have a contingency plan of possible friends or nearby locations you may be able to shelter in until your home is safe to return to.
Stay Informed. Even with all the right hurricane preparedness before you leave on vacation, you’ll want to monitor weather conditions from afar, especially once a hurricane or tropical storm has been identified. You’ll be able to make the best decisions when they are informed by as much information – and preparation – as possible.
Benefits of Home Automation
Home automation is increasingly popular as technology improves and devices become more affordable. Smart home automation works by connecting various devices in your home to a central hub or directly to a network. These devices can then be controlled remotely through a smartphone app, voice assistant or web interface.
Smart home components like security or climate control can be integrated with other smart devices, like your home entertainment system. This allows you to create a comprehensive and integrated smart home system that can automate many different tasks.
There are tons of reasons you may want to invest in home automation, but they generally fall into four categories.
- Convenience. This is one of the primary reasons people start down the smart-home path. It just makes life a little easier when your home automates all the mundane tasks you used to have to do on a day-to-day basis.
- Safety. A lot of smart-home technology is centered around your home’s security system, and there’s a good reason for that. No one piece of security equipment will protect your home comprehensively, but a network of pieces of equipment all working and thinking together can.
- Sustainability. A lot of energy is wasted when you leave the lights on or keep your AC running when you’re gone for the weekend. A truly smart home will adjust itself to your habits and make sure your environmental impact is a little lighter.
- Savings. You waste a lot of money when you leave things running unnecessarily. Your smart home will improve your economic efficiency by helping you remember to turn things off or down when they’re not needed
Here’s some of what the marketplace currently has to offer:
- Detectors – Smart detectors provide peace of mind, so you aren’t left worrying that you forgot something. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are vital additions to any home. Gas and water leak detectors are good additions as well.
- Heating and Cooling – With the initial success of 2011’s Nest Learning Thermostat, this product category is most associated with home automation.
- Lighting – With the ability to control lights through your tablet or phone, intelligent lighting has become the initial step many take in setting up smart home technology.
- Security Systems – This area has taken home automation to the next level. A lot of the newer, more advanced smart home tech is in this category, with keyless entry, camera equipment, and more. D
- Hubs – Hubs, for the most part, are what tie your systems together. .
- Appliances – Get a text message from your washer when a load finishes. Have your fridge create your grocery list for you. Shut the coffee pot off from work. Smoke a brisket for a few hours while remotely controlling its temperature. All possibilities with smart appliances.
- Energy Management – Track your energy use and make changes in real time, from any location.
- Lawn and Landscape Care – Control your pool cleaner, mow your lawn or set the irrigation system, all via smartphone app.
- Window Coverings – Automatic shades and blinds timed to open or close with your bedtime or wake up call.
Technology experts say that tomorrow’s smart homes will have more seamless smart home device integration, more intelligent home appliances and gadgets, movement into the virtual world, and increased customization, efficiency, and control.
Kim N. Bregman