The Sunshine State is well-known for its beautiful beaches, but living in Florida also comes with plenty of challenges. Here are five things that all homeowners in the state need to know:
Take Hurricanes Seriously and Prepare the Home and Family
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Hurricanes can be devastating – not just because they cause a lot of damage to the home, but because they often force people from their homes and away from friends and family. Hurricanes have caused many people to relocate permanently from Florida or make it difficult to return after the storm has passed. In addition, water management systems may fail during a hurricane. This is especially true if the water treatment plant goes offline due to flooding, power outage, or other reasons. If this happens, there could be no running water for days at a time, which would make it difficult to keep food cold and clean.
If living in a high-risk area, consider flood insurance. Most Florida homeowners must carry flood insurance if they have taken out government-backed mortgages on their homes. Having insurance is especially important because the federal government will not provide aid for damage caused by water or mud during a flood. This is true even if the water level rises high enough to enter the home or business.
Know A Home’s Flood Risk Range
Checking for flood risk status is easy. Simply visit the National Flood Risk Information System. Florida homeowners need to know the address and answer a few questions about it, but it is relatively easy to view the results to discover if a home is located in a flood risk zone. If the home is in a high-risk area, flood insurance coverage is a necessity for the home. This will help protect against financial loss due to flooding or mudslides.
Take Measures to Prevent Mold in the Home
Mold is another common problem for Florida homeowners. The humid climate in the state allows mold to flourish, creating a dangerous situation for occupants. Many types of mold release mycotoxins, which can cause serious health problems, especially when inhaled or enter the bloodstream through open wounds.
Mold spores tend to stick to wet surfaces and can linger for a long time after the surface has dried out. Therefore, regularly clean the home’s air-conditioning system, inside walls, floors, and other areas which are likely to get damp from water leaks or flooding.
Use an air purifier and a dehumidifier to prevent mold from growing in the home.
Flooding Happens
Florida is known for experiencing heavy rainfall throughout the year, including numerous tropical storms and hurricanes. The weather causes water levels to rise in many areas of the state regularly. While homeowners can’t prevent flooding from happening, they may be able to ensure that their homes and belongings are safe during a flood by taking the right precautions.
For instance, many people who live in Florida opt for a high-quality water treatment system. If one of these systems is installed when flooding occurs (or even if it doesn’t), it will ensure drinking water is available when other people are left without it.
Florida Wildlife is Real
As a Florida homeowner, there are many different species of creatures, from palmetto bugs to snakes. Depending on which part of Florida the home is, homeowners may find lizards, alligators, wild turkeys, opossums, armadillos, and raccoons. Florida is home to many interesting animals, as well as protecting many endangered species. Remember to never remove their nests from a yard or bother a mother animal with her children in tow. Many of these creatures are protected by law, and if treated correctly, are really not much trouble at all.
As a Florida homeowner, it’s a homeowner’s responsibility to stay vigilant and take precautions to protect their home from damage during times of flooding and other natural occurrences. By taking steps to understand the risks that may be a part of the home’s environment, homeowners can minimize possible issues before they happen. Remember, knowledge is power! Keep all this in mind when you are looking for Lakeland Florida real estate.
