Larry

If there’s a hurricane headed towards your Anna Maria Island vacation rental, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and take immediate action. First, stay informed by monitoring weather updates from reliable sources such as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) or local government, and follow alerts and instructions from local authorities and emergency management agencies.

National news can tend towards mass panic during a hurricane – so getting information from trusted, high-authority sources is important. Not sure what to pay attention to? Our team here at Island Real Estate knows, give us a call to discuss!

Haven’t Made It To AMI Yet? Here’s What To Do

If you haven’t left for your vacation yet, contact us to discuss the situation, seek advice, and potentially reschedule or cancel your trip. In all likelihood, we may contact you to share information and set expectations. Our team has ridden out multiple storms in the area, and will give valuable insights into whether you should postpone your trip, head down anyway, or possibly move to another rental if one is available. We know the drill, which areas flood with small storms and how large storms impact our properties.

If you rented a ground level property, we may suggest a move to a more secure rental if it’s available. Storm surge can make ground-level properties more vulnerable to flooding, depending upon the severity of the storm.

Already on AMI and a Hurricane is Headed Your Way? Sit Tight and Wait for Instructions

If you are already at the rental, we will be in touch with options. Leaving is always an option, and we are committed to making that one of your choices. If you decide to stay as the storm is predicted to be light, we will likely be around to prepare the property by securing outdoor furniture, decorations, and any items that could become projectiles in high winds.

If you are still in the rental during a storm, it’s a good idea to ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked. We may come by and install storm shutters, but that’s usually reserved for storms that would warrant evacuation. You may want to stock up on food and water, make sure your gas tank is full, and make sure there are working flashlights available. We will definitely be in contact with you to guide you on the next steps, ensuring you know what to do to stay safe.

If you’re traveling with a pet – get in contact with the local evacuation shelters very early in the evacuation process and be sure you have your pet’s shot records with you. Space in shelters fills up fast, so you need to have a plan for taking care of your pet – as they are not allowed in many of the shelters set up for humans during an evacuation emergency.

Is Trip Insurance Worth It During Hurricane Season On The Gulf Coast? 

If you’re headed to AMI during hurricane season, typically June 1 to November 1, it’s we always recommended you purchase trip insurance. Trip insurance can be a valuable asset when a hurricane threatens your vacation plans. If you haven’t left yet and a hurricane is forecasted to impact your destination, trip insurance may cover costs associated with canceling or rescheduling your trip, such as non-refundable deposits and prepaid expenses. Policies typically require that the insurance be purchased before the storm is named. We frequently work with TripPreserver, and this is their policy.

If you’re already on vacation when a hurricane strikes, your trip insurance can help cover unexpected expenses, including additional lodging, meals, and transportation costs if you need to evacuate or extend your stay due to flight cancellations or unsafe conditions. It’s essential to review your policy details, as coverage can vary widely depending on the provider and specific terms.

Please keep in mind – reimbursement from evacuation may only be available if the evacuation is mandatory and ordered by local authorities. This is a common provision for trip insurance, so be sure you know the parameters before you buy.

Hurricane Evacuation Tips – Stay Safe and Informed

Should evacuation become necessary, know the evacuation routes and local shelters, and keep your vehicle’s fuel tank full. If the authorities issue evacuation orders, comply immediately. Take all of your belongings and make sure our team here at Island Real Estate know you’re leaving. Keep in touch with family and friends, and use social media or community networks for local updates and information as connection allows. If you plan on coming back to your rental – be sure to let us know so we can prioritize cleanup of that property.

 After the storm, wait for official announcements before returning to the rental if you were evacuated and still have days left on your vacation. We will let you know if the property is safe to come back to. If you’re traveling, don’t try to access areas that the police and city governments have shut down. Avoid floodwaters, downed power lines, and other hazards. If you’re still in the rental, be sure to report any damage to us right away – we’ll likely be out surveying property – but giving us a call won’t hurt either. The key is to remain calm, stay informed, and act swiftly according to the guidance of local authorities. Safety should always be your top priority.

Additional Tips for Hurricane Preparedness

1. Create A Quick Emergency Kit: Ensure you have essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies in a place where you can find them fast during the storm or evacuation. Putting medicine in your car before you leave might sound like a good idea – but if you can’t get outside and are stuck in your rental – they’re not in the right spot.
2. Communication Plan: Have a plan in place to keep in touch with your family and friends. Let them know what your plan is, and how you can communicate with them when power and internet might be spotty.
3. Backup Power: If possible, have a backup power source like a charging brick all charged up to keep your phone and essential devices charged.
4. Document Safety: Keep important documents such as passports, identification, and insurance papers in a plastic zip bag and with you at all times. 

By following these guidelines and staying prepared, you can ensure your safety and make informed decisions should a hurricane threaten your vacation on Anna Maria Island.