Hurricane Season officially started June 1st in NW Florida and we need to be prepared on the Gulf Coast. In protecting our biggest and most important investments, we need to have a plan. Two keys to weather safely are to prepare for the risks and to act on those preparations when alerted by emergency officials. These are essential pieces to protecting our families and our homes and communities. Our gorgeous sugar sand beaches can feel some occasional weather. Hard to believe, I know! But, when and if it happens, we want our guests and families to be ready. We have to gather important information. Especially, Beachfront communities in Destin, Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores. We have to know the evacuation plan. Firstly, know if you live in an evacuation area. Assess your risks and know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. Next, plan and take action. Everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected. Your friends and family may not be together when disaster strikes. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children or parents are safe? Texting is a good tool to use as the phone lines might be saturated. Furthermore, have a supply kit. Put together a basic disaster supply kit and consider storage locations for different situations. Help community members do the same. That is what we do on the Susan Carleton Real Estate Team. We prompt one another to do good and take care of one another in all areas of life. Develop and document plans. Protect yourself and family with a Family Emergency Plan. Be sure to plan for locations away from home and business. Business owner, Susan Carleton, survived the massive hurricane 10 years ago and recalls the importance of the plan. In all life scenarios, the plan is a guide. We hope we don’t have to use, but if you do, you find yourself responding and acting and taking care of one another.
When waiting out a storm, be careful. The danger may not be over yet. Be alert. Wait until the area is declared safe before returning home. Remember that recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. The City of Pensacola has incredible resources for our visitors and residence from Alerts to traffic advisories to American Red Cross and additional preparedness. Be safe! Enjoy the City of Pensacola and surrounding areas. We love that you are here and hope you have a sweet Southern Experience. 
After some wicked winter weather and a freak flood incident, it is probably safe to say that residents of the Gulf Coast are ready for sunny days spent on the area’s most beautiful beaches. That said, it may be time to start thinking ahead, and not just about your upcoming