The possibility of a hurricane or tropical storm hitting Central Florida is very real during this time of year, which is why understanding basic hurricane preparedness is important. In the event of a tropical storm or hurricane warning, we urge you to take precautions for yourself and for the property that you currently lease. By taking care of the property, you insure that you will have a safe and dry place to live in after any storms have passed. We recommend that you do the following preparations:
If we have received a Hurricane Warning (this means a hurricane is expected within the next 36 hours):
- Secure window shutters in place.
- Move all furniture away from the windows. Cover it or move it to rooms that are least likely to receive damage.
- Bring inside all garbage receptacles, outdoor patio plants, pots, chairs, tables, furniture, and pool cleaning equipment.
- Any yard flags, holiday decorations or items from patios, porches or yards may become missiles in a strong wind, so make sure they are taken inside the house.
- Disconnect your garden hoses from the hose bib and bring them inside as well.
- If you are in a waterfront area, there is a chance of of flooding. Determine if you should vacate and proceed to the nearest shelter.
- If you live on the top floor of a condominium or apartment building, perhaps you will need to vacate because the roof may be blown off.
- If you have a bathtub, fill it with water. This water may be all you have for a while to bathe with or to use to flush toilets if the power is off for a few days.
- Do NOT tape any windows. If you wish to have boards put up, we can provide a company referral, but this would be at your expense.
- If your property currently has a For Rent or For Sale sign, please temporarily bring it into the garage.
- Please try to utilize the garage (if applicable) to protect all vehicles.
- To minimize mosquito activity, try to avoid opportunities for water to collect and stand.
- When possible, disconnect plugs or shut off breaker prior to power surges/loss of power to limit appliance or electronic damage.
- Ensure that shed doors or storage cabinets are completely closed.
If you decide to vacate your property, please notify our office in writing immediately so we are aware and know how to contact you. Write down important personal and contact information, pack a to go bag, grab your family and pets and please be safe.
If you decide to ride out any storm at home, be sure to have plenty of drinking water, a portable radio, flashlights, batteries (for the radio and flashlight), a full tank of gas in your car, personal or legal papers stored in sealed plastic bags, first aid supplies, all needed medications, toiletries, diapers, and plenty of pre-cooked canned food. Don’t forget the can opener! Other helpful items that we have found useful are rolls of plastic, large plastic bags, cellular phones (make sure they are completely charged), tire repair kits, bug spray, and sun block for after a storm, extra candles and all the laundry washed! Camping equipment is helpful as well as coolers full of ice. If electricity is out for a while, you may want to have extra cash as credit cards will not work without electricity. Having a survival kit with all the essentials will help with emergency preparedness.
If you are in a condominium complex, you may want to find out what emergency measures have been planned. Some complexes have stand-by generators to assist after storms.
As soon as the storm has passed, please notify Legends Realty via the Tenant Portal if you experienced any property damage caused by the weather. Photo documentation is appreciated.
Please familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a hurricane hazard:
Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed (using the U.S. 1-minute average) is 38 mph (33 knot) or less.
Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed (using the U.S. 1-minute average) ranges from 39 mph (34 knots) to 73 mph (63 knots).
Hurricane: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind (using the U.S. 1-minute average) is 74 mph (64 knots) or more.
Storm Surge: An abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm, and whose height is the difference between the observed level of the sea surface and the level that would have occurred in the absence of the cyclone. Storm surge is usually estimated by subtracting the normal or astronomic high tide from the observed storm tide. Storm surge can reach heights well over 20 feet and can span hundreds of miles of coastline.
Storm Tide: The actual level of seawater resulting from the astronomic tide combined with the storm surge.
Hurricane Warning: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified area. Because Central Florida hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Hurricane Watch: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area. Central Florida hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, so the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Tropical Storm Warning: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.
Short Term Watches and Warnings: These watches/warnings provide detailed information about specific hurricane threats, such as flash floods and tornadoes.
We at Legends Realty will contact you after the storm has safely passed and the roads are open (as soon as it is possible) to assist in determining any damages.
If you have any questions about securing the property or need help in making a decision about whether to stay or go to a shelter, please view the DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT website at Should you have any questions, please contact us at Legends Realty Property Management in Central Florida.
