Be a good neighbor: Prepare for storms

Note: Capt. Kirk is on leave for a while. In the meantime, enjoy a version of this classic from our archives.

Over the years, I’ve met plenty of people who refuse to live in Florida because they say Florida has hurricanes. While that’s true, no matter where you live — anywhere on the planet — there is always a chance that, at any given time, you could experience some kind of natural disaster: earthquake, flood, fire, blizzard, avalanche, ice storm, volcano, tsunami, tornado, sinkhole, mudslide, etc.

If we choose to, we can worry ourselves to death about so much in the world, including hurricanes. Prepare for nature’s darker side as best you can, but never let fear run — or ruin — your everyday life or keep you from experiencing and appreciating the beauty of our Southwest Florida slice of paradise.

Some people get very worried as a storm approaches, often aided by media hype. “Get ready,” the news outlets warn, as they expound on a litany of possible catastrophes, including loss of life. While taking advance precaution is wise, warnings are generally more fraught with anticipatory worry than with the level of concern a storm actually warrants.

Each person handles situations differently. Some people feel better when they over-prepare, and there is nothing wrong with that. And some people prepare very little (or not at all). There is nothing wrong with that, either — unless the latter type of person lives next door to you. Living with responsible and cooperative neighbors who take precautions can relieve a lot of storm-related stress. You may have done your best to secure loose items, lawn furniture and garden gnomes. After the storm, however, it’s not very pleasant, to say the least, to find your neighbor’s barbecue grill, having smashed through your lanai screen, resting at the bottom of your pool. Or the branches of their massive tree — which have been overhanging your property for months, but your neighbors have refused to trim them — skewering the roof of your house.

Don’t be that person yourself. Unless you live in the boonies, be considerate of those around you. Like a good neighbor, prepare for a coming storm.

Simple preparation could be as easy as trimming those overhanging branches and inspecting your trees to be sure they are healthy and not rotted. Sometimes, larger branches could be cracked at the base where they meet the trunk, and these need to be trimmed back. Palm trees could also be trimmed, as well as shrubs and bushes close to your house (otherwise, the debris at the base of the shrubs could block heavy rainwater flow away from your home’s foundation). While at it, check and (if needed) clean your rain gutters and drainage ditches around your home. Then, check all your windows and doorframes for proper sealing. The harsh Florida sun dries out caulking quickly, so you may need to reseal.

If you have any construction items stored outside, have you thought about how you’ll secure them if a hurricane approaches? Many people have kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, windsurfers and other lightweight water toys. Best to bring these into your garage or, if you don’t have a garage, plan now on how you will tie them down securely. I know several people who, during past hurricanes, brought their kayaks into their living rooms. Others (myself included) tie them down securely and fill them with water. There were several that we had sunk in the canal behind our house (after we tied lines to them for retrieval after the storm, of course). We had no damage at all using these methods.

Most people have a plan for the home in case of a storm, but don’t always consider the boat, which is probably the next most valuable possession.

So, here are a few tips about protecting your boat as we move into storm season:

• Make sure your insurance is up to date.

• To keep your insurance company from denying a claim due to negligence, know what steps to take to prepare your boat.

• Consider what you store on board. Fishing rods, electronics and personal items should not be left aboard, even overnight. Boats are an easy target for thieves in the middle of the night.

• Next, secure your boat appropriately. If it’s on a trailer block, pull the plug to allow rainwater to drain.

• If you have a trailer boat, also decide where you are going to store it. Close to the house or garage is good for a windbreak, and putting blocks under the axles will save breaking the trailer should it fill with debris and rainwater.

• Removing all the canvas and other items is a good idea, too. You should do it as soon as you find out the weather gurus’ “cone of uncertainty” includes the area where you live. (Ian perfectly demonstrated that you could avoid a direct hit and still experience catastrophic flooding.)

• If your boat is able to be put in a building or garage, so much the better.

• People who leave a boat to fend for itself perhaps should not own a boat.

There are rental options.

• If your boat is at a marina, know the marina’s regulations and guidelines. Some marinas have a clause in the rental contract that gives them permission to take whatever steps necessary to secure your boat in the event of a tropical storm or stronger. And you will pay the necessary fees to protect

your boat and those of your neighbors.

All of this prep does not have to be done right now, but making a list of things to do will help, as things get hectic before a storm.

Making plans early will ease your mind and calm your stress levels. It also might convince your neighbors to follow your example and prep outside, too (since you don’t want your house battered by their stuff). It’s easier when we work together.

Ocean sailing experiences have taught me a lot about preparation and timing.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) broadcasts the strength and directions of storms continuously over marine radio. However, sometimes a localized storm will develop very quickly and not be announced until it has built up strong energy. While boaters know how to watch the weather and head for safe harbor, sailboats are not as speedy. Landlubbers always wonder why a sailor’s list of equipment and supplies is so great, even for a day sail. The equipment list is vast because sailors know that it’s not a question of if something will happen, but when it will happen.

Nature can be calmingly mild — or ferociously destructive. During those times when we’re facing the possibility of the latter, we can still appreciate the awe and wonder of our great outdoors for all that it is.

Fair winds; calm seas. ¦

— Capt. Dennis Kirk and his wife, Nancy, are avid mariners and outdoor enthusiasts. Since the 1970s, their love of nature in Southwest Florida has allowed them to experience the dream of writing about their travels and adventures of sailing, fishing or flying out of their homeport on the Peace River, the old DeSoto marina.

The post Be a good neighbor: Prepare for storms first appeared on Charlotte County Florida Weekly .