With Hurricane Matthew building steam and threatening to hit Florida, we at L&J Gutters of Freeport want for all of our community members to be prepared and to stay safe. We specialize in gutter repair and installation, so we know that homes can be rebuilt. But you and your family can’t ever be replaced. So without further ado, here is what you need to know about Hurricane Matthew and how to stay safe.

About Matthew

Hurricane Matthew achieved Category 4 status while lingering over the Bahamas, but was downgraded to a Category 3 early this morning. While Florida has managed to escape a direct hit thus far, winds up to 120 miles per hour are still raging off the coast, and tropical storm conditions can still be impactful and quite dangerous.

Steps to Prepare

• Have an evacuation plan and follow it when the time comes: If a hurricane is bad enough, the governor may issue an evacuation order (as Rick Scott did). You should have a game plan in place when this situation arises. Put together a bug-out bag that includes important items such as prescription medications, important documents, a first-aid kit, and irreplaceable items like family photos and heirlooms. Preserve what you can, but remember not to get bogged down with unnecessary items as well.
• Stock up on food and water: If you choose not to evacuate, make sure that you are stocked up on food and water supplies. Make sure to have nonperishable items readily available and a gallon or two of water for each member of your family. Not to state the obvious, but you will also need a can opener to open said perishable items.
• Don’t be fooled: Even if it appears that things have calmed down, if you are riding out the hurricane at home stay indoors and away from the windows until the authorities announce the all clear. Oftentimes, a lull in the action signifies that you are in the eye of the storm and that there is more to come.