With Hurricane Helene just passing and Hurricane Milton approaching, your safety is our top priority at Pavlov. We are committed to ensuring the well-being of both you and our team here in Florida. As safety is one of our core values, we want to share some essential information to help keep you and your loved ones safe during this time.
Hurricane Milton has been rapidly intensifying over the past few days as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico, now reaching Category 4 status. With sustained winds of 130 mph, heavy rainfall, and dangerous storm surges, it’s crucial to be prepared. Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe.

Here are 15 safety tips to follow during a Category 4 hurricane:

  1. Know Your Evacuation Routes: Before the hurricane hits, identify the nearest evacuation routes and shelters. Stay informed about any mandatory evacuations in your area and leave immediately if instructed by local authorities. Practice your evacuation plan with your family so everyone knows what to do.
  2. Create an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents.
  3. Secure Your Home: Board up windows with plywood, secure loose outdoor items, and reinforce doors and garage doors to minimize damage.
  4. Have a Communication Plan: Ensure family members know how to contact each other in case of separation. Consider walkie-talkies or a backup power source for phones.
  5. Stay Informed: Monitor local news and weather updates through radio, TV, or mobile apps to stay updated on the hurricane's progress.
  6. Prepare your Vehicle: Gas stations may close or run out of fuel, so keep your vehicle’s tank full in case of an evacuation. Additionally, stock your car with emergency kit, including water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and maps in case GPS becomes unreliable.
  7. Charge Your Devices: Fully charge your phones, backup batteries, and other important devices before the storm hits.
  8. Stock Up on Water: Have at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Also, fill bathtubs with water for hygiene or flushing toilets.
  9. Turn Off Utilities: If instructed, turn off gas, electricity, and water to prevent damage or hazards.
  10. Move to Higher Ground: If you live in a low-lying or flood-prone area, prepare to evacuate to higher ground well before the storm hits. Flash floods and storm surges can happen quickly and be life-threatening, especially in coastal areas.
  11. Stay Indoors During the Storm: Avoid windows, and stay in an interior room or a designated storm shelter. The safest places are typically basements or bathrooms.
  12. Have Emergency Contacts Ready: Keep a list of important contacts such as family, friends, local emergency services, and utility companies.
  13. Prepare Your Pets: Ensure pets have enough food, water, and a safe space. Take them with you if you evacuate, as shelters may not allow animals.
  14. Unplug Appliances: Disconnect electronics to prevent damage from power surges caused by the storm.
  15. Wait for the All-Clear: Don’t venture outside during the eye of the storm, and wait for official clearance after the hurricane passes to leave your home. Once the hurricane has passed, avoid flooded areas as they may contain sewage, chemicals, or debris.  Additionally, watch for downed power lines, as they may be live, do not touch them. Lastly, inspect your home for damage such as gas leaks and broken pipes. If you see any damage report issues to the local authorities and your insurance provider immediately.

We hope that by following these tips, you and your loved ones stay safe and connected throughout the storm. Our team is here to support you in any way we can, ensuring that your transition back home is as smooth as possible once passed.