Preparing for Hurricane Season in Tampa
How do you prepare for hurricane season in Tampa? At Expert Solar, our primary mission is to power homes across Tampa with the sustainable glow of solar energy. But beyond our commitment to harnessing the sun’s power lies a more profound dedication to our community’s well-being.
Tampa, with its radiant sunshine and beautiful coastline, is a place we proudly call home. Yet, we are also familiar with the annual challenges the hurricane season presents. While we take pride in ensuring your solar installations can weather any storm, the safety of our fellow Tampa residents always comes first.
Through this guide, we aim to provide homeowners with essential tips for hurricane preparedness, ensuring not just your property’s security but your loved ones’ safety. Let’s unite as a community and ensure every home is a beacon of resilience and that every family remains secure when the storm clouds gather.
Tampa and Hurricane Season, Why It’s Important to Prepare
“The Tampa-St. Petersburg area has an 11 percent chance of feeling the impacts of a hurricane in any given year. Tampa, situated on a peninsula lying along Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, is exposed to hurricanes entering the Gulf and systems forming in the Atlantic.” – AccuWeather
Living in the sunny locale of Tampa offers many benefits, from beautiful beaches to harnessing the sun’s energy through solar installations. However, with the sun’s blessings also come the annual challenges of hurricane season. While Tampa homeowners can rest easy knowing their robust solar installations can weather the storm, there are other vital precautions to consider. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you and your home remain safe when hurricanes threaten the area.
Your Solar Panels and Hurricanes
If you’re a homeowner with solar panels, you might be concerned about their durability during extreme weather events. Are solar panels hurricane-proof? Rest assured, modern solar installations are built to last. With rigorous testing, panels are designed to withstand harsh conditions, from hail to hurricane-force winds. The mounting systems used for these panels are engineered to ensure a secure attachment, minimizing the risk of dislodgment. To learn more, also read:
However, while your solar panels are built tough, the broader preparation for hurricane season encompasses several other factors.
Hurricane Preparation Checklist for Tampa Homeowners
Stay Informed: Attention local news outlets, weather stations, and official alerts. Your local authorities are your primary source of information, and their directives can be life-saving.
Emergency Kit: Stock up on essential items, including:
– Non-perishable food for at least three days
– A gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
– Flashlights and extra batteries
– Battery-powered radio
– First aid kit
– Prescription medicines and necessary medical supplies
– Multi-purpose tools
– Sanitation and personal hygiene items
– Copies of personal documents (birth certificates, insurance policies, etc.)
– Cell phone with backup battery chargers
– Local maps
Secure Your Home: While your solar panels are equipped to handle storms, ensure that other parts of your home are also prepared. Install storm shutters or board up windows, secure outdoor furniture, and clear loose debris from your yard.
Plan an Evacuation Route: Know where you’ll go if an evacuation order is issued. Familiarize yourself with local shelters or choose a safe location outside the hurricane’s path.
Pet Safety: Remember your furry friends! Have a plan for them, whether taking them with you or ensuring they’re safe at home. Stock up on pet food and any needed medications.
Stay Indoors: Stay away from windows and doors during the storm. Find a safe interior room to take shelter.
Disconnect Utilities: If local authorities instruct, turn off utilities, including propane tanks. Remember, if you’re using solar panels with battery backup, they can provide power during outages. Ensure your system is set up for this functionality.
Follow Local Authorities: This can’t be stressed enough. Always adhere to guidelines, directions, and orders given by local authorities. They have the most accurate and up-to-date information on the hurricane’s progression and potential impact.
Tampa’s beauty is unparalleled, but with its coastal charm comes the responsibility of being prepared for hurricane season. Your solar panels are a testament to resilience, but the broader picture of hurricane preparedness includes various other considerations. Being well-equipped, staying informed, and heeding the advice of local authorities are the cornerstones of ensuring you, your family, and your home remain safe during turbulent times.
I hope this article helps you get prepared for hurricane season in Tampa. These are our suggestions but are by no means a complete guide to preparing for and minimizing hurricane damage.
Article by
Ricardo Del Sol
Editor, Expert Solar
(800) 340-0681
